Maintaining Deadeyes

Triple deadeyes are used in pairs; a line called a lanyard is run back and forth between them, through the holes, so that they function again much as a block and tackle would. This provides a mechanical advantage, pulling harder on whatever the deadeyes are attached to. Pairs of deadeyes are placed in the shrouds (the lines that hold up the mast), where they are used to create greater tension in the shrouds.

Traditional deaeyes are what support Vega's masts. Over time the lanyards suffer from wear and must be replaced. That give us a chance to refinish the deadeyes at the same time
Traditional triple deadeyes are what support Vega's masts. Over time the lanyards suffer from wear and must be replaced. That give us a chance to refinish the deadeyes at the same time
We start with a good sanding to reach clean bare wood, then inspect for cracks or other signs of failure
We start with a good sanding to reach clean bare wood, then inspect for cracks or other signs of failure
Then we make the new lanyards. Whipping one end and putting a nice cozy rose knot on the other. Here Ben and Soren prepare new lanyards.
Then we make the new lanyards. Whipping one end and putting a nice cozy rose knot on the other. Here Ben and Soren prepare new lanyards.
Another well made knot ready for serving
Triple deadeyes are used in pairs; a line called a lanyard is run back and forth between them, through the holes, so that they function again much as a block and tackle would.
Once the dead eyes have been varnished and the new lanyards are ready then we weave them into place for tightening. Be sure to swift he lanyards with wax or fat so they pull through easily when you tighten them.
To set up the lanyards used with dead-eyes, a suitable grease such as tallow is first applied to the holes.
We use a chain hoist to make tightening easier. The trick is snug but not too tight. Don't want to wring the mast or contort the boat.
We use a chain hoist to make tightening easier. The trick is snug but not too tight. Don't want to wring the mast or contort the boat.
As the tension comes on it helps to work through the slack from the end with the stopper toward the chain hoist.
As the tension comes on it helps to work through the slack from the end with the stopper toward the chain hoist.
When you have the tension right a Swedish fid is driven in to stop the line from going slack.
When you have the tension right a Swedish fid is driven in to stop the line from going slack.
The lanyard fall is then tied off and the remaining line wrapped round the shroud to look pretty. Be sure to leave enough tail to securly lash down
The lanyard fall is then tied off and the remaining line wrapped round the shroud to look pretty. Be sure to leave enough tail to securly lash down
Once the tails are lashed a drop of super glue helps keep them in place
Once the tails are lashed a drop of super glue helps keep them in place
Here is the job done and dusted.
Here is the job done and dusted.
Our next job was overhauling the main square sail tacks and sheets.
Our next job was overhauling the main square sail tacks and sheets.

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