Climbing the mast

[exranger]

OK, dumb question. I just got a Catalina 27, 1973 model, and I need to replace the sheeves in the mast. Can i climb this mast without having my 245lb body snap it like a twig, lol. It's looking dicey ...

First, there is an excellent thread here on climbing the mast, including some great equipment suggections. I have no doubt the mast will hold up, and the rig as well, but considering the work you want to do, and how easy it is to unstep that mast, I would unstep it. Two people can do it in an afternoon. This will also allow you to do any other work that is needed at the time. Considering that the sheives are frozen, going aloft will be no easy task, and the integrety of the masthead may be in question.

[CaptainK]

Hey exranger.

I have the same problem, with my 1973 Catalina 27 too!!

I will have to unstep the mast. And remove the mast head. And remove/replace the two sheeves on my masthead too!!

Hey Kai!!
Looks like Catalinas are in!!

As well they should be. Great boat for that size range.

[CaptainK]

Sure is, Kai!!! :cubalibre

A studio apartment on water!!!

[exranger]

I guess the mast issue just made me nervous. Looks like I should take the mast down. I will read that thread on climbing the mast, is there one on how to unstep it with just two people??

I am learnign to like these Catalina 27s! They are good boats for the money, and since so many were made, it looks like there's some good info out there on them!

[CaptainK]

exranger.

Here's a wonderful site that can help you out with your Catalina.

It's a Catalina owners website.

http://www.catalinaowners.com/

http://www.catalina27.org/public_pages/resource.htm

http://www.lindacomm.net/catalina/StoreFront.bok

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index....category_id=61

http://www.catalinadirect.com/

This'll help you out, with certain items that you might replace in the near future. Also the first link has lot's of info on various models of the Catalina line of sailboats.

Enjoy!!

[Alan Wheeler]

Just to expand on Kai's points, un-stepping the mast will allow you to inspect all aspects of the mast with time and care. If you go up the mast, then you will only briefly be looking at areas. If the sheaves are frozen, then chances are, other area's need lookig at.

[Talbot]

I dont see how you could do anything to the sheaves by climbing the mast (except to put some freeing agent on the sheaves).

To get at the sheeves you will need to take the top part of the mast off and this would be very difficult at the top of the mast, especially as most forestay and backstays are attached to the bit you need to remove!

[Charlie]

I have a Capri 22. Smaller mast but I built an "A" Frame to put the mast up with when it was only my wife and I. Took a 20' length of 3/4" black iron cut it in half. Welded two tabs on the top with 3/8" holes. Welded the tabs such that they were parallel to the mast when the legs of the A-frame were attached to port and stabboard stanchions. Through the holes I put a 3/8" bolt and a snatch block like pulley. Not a Marine pulley one from Ace Hardware.

I run the Halyard thru the snatch block and then on to the tack fitting. Stand the A frame up and secure it to the stantions. The extra angle of the A frame gives just the right leverage to lift the mast easily with the halyard wench. One person lifts and balances the other cranks the halyard. When the A frame is no longer in play the mast is at the height where the halyard winch lifts the mast the rest of the way. Oh yeah I do this with the stays on to keep the mast in line side to side. I can draw a picture if you need me to.

Charlie

[exranger]

So, is welding an A frame the only way to self-unstep the mast? Might be a lot of work, since I can't weld, lol. Hmmmmm

Charlie, could you send me a sketch? i would greatly appreciate it

Exranger, there is a book called "the Sailors Sketchbook" by Bruce Bingham. This book has, among other great ideas, a very detailed section on rigging the mast to be unstepped by one person. The weight is no problem, if you can get the spar to stay centered. This book addresses that issue.

[Charlie]

I'll draw it up tonight. You don't actually need to weld. I guess you could squeeze the pipe in a vice bend it and drill it. I had a welder and that was easier (and maybe stronger) than the squishing method.

Charlie

[Charlie]

Well I'm sure nobody will call me an artist on this one.

Ex Ranger If you need better I can try to do something on Sunday. I'm really busy at the moment.

Charlie

[exranger]

Thanks Charlie! that clears it up a lot!