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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 250 mast raising system		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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wallymackinnon
Deckhand

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Canada
18 Posts
Initially Posted - 10/12/2005 :  22:07:45  Show Profile
I have a 2004 Catalina 250. I see that the boat has special accomodations for a mast raising system to keep the mast from swinging off center when being raised or lowered - i.e. the mast has special notches in it and the lifeline stanchions to each side of the mast have special fittings on them to attach stabililzing cables to.

Has anyone used this system from Catalina, and if so, does it work well and stabilze the mast during raising and lowering?

Wally MacKinnon
London, ON
Navasana - hull 724
Wally MacKinnon
London, ON
Navasana - Hull #724
Sometimes can be found at: N 42 30 W 081 36
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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts
Response Posted - 10/12/2005 :  22:14:12  Show Profile
Same setup I have, they call them "Baby Stays", they work well.
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sterngucker
Navigator

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USA
169 Posts
Response Posted - 10/12/2005 :  23:09:23  Show Profile
I use this system EVERY time I go sailing. I think I'm up to ten trips now since I bought the boat last July, plus a few mast-raisings at home. I am very familiar with all aspects of the mast raising system thanks to desert living. There is a lake close by but it's been dry for about ten thousand years.
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Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts
Response Posted - 10/14/2005 :  00:28:12  Show Profile  Visit Ben - FL's Homepage
Don't leave home without them!
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JohnMD
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts
Response Posted - 10/14/2005 :  09:10:23  Show Profile
I raised my mast, set my wire tensions, and took the mast back down yesterday using the 'baby stays'. I did all this BY MYSELF with no help at all. They work great with a gin pole.
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Alan Therrien
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts
Response Posted - 10/29/2005 :  11:50:01  Show Profile
Wally,

I have a 1999 250 WK, and for the first five years had the marina raise and lower the mast each time I launched and hauled out the boat for the season.

This year there was a sizable increase in the mast raising fee. So I checked out the options identified on this site for mast raising systems. I made an A-frame out of 2x4s hinged at the top with a large square door hinge. I purchased a trailer winch that is reversable, and came complete with a heavy duty strap (cost about $30 for the winch). It works great, and paid for itself on the first use.

My wife in neither large, nor strong. But she easily winches the mast up or down, while I steady the mast and keep the shrouds and stays clear. My boat did not come with "baby stays", so I purchased them from Catalina (about $150). They make a BIG difference in keeping the mast from moving laterally, and potentially tearing off your mast step.

I found it was much easier than I expected, and will continue to use this system.
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wallymackinnon
Deckhand

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Canada
18 Posts
Response Posted - 11/02/2005 :  21:56:52  Show Profile
Thank you all for sharing your experience with me. This motivates me to very seriously consider purchasing the mast raising system cables from Catalina.

Best regards;

Wally
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.