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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Mast Hinge Step

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Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/17/2007 : 09:23:21

Has anyone done a mast hinge step on the C25 as was done on this web site for the C27?
http://www.blumhorst.com/catalina27/mast-step-install.htm

Chris Z.
Water Warrior
1982 Force 5

Former Owner Blown Away - C25

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/17/2007 : 09:49:02

That is a very nice mod, I cannot think of any reason it wouldn't be a good idea on our boats. I have always thought our mast step was an exercise is cost containment. That boat has found a great owner.

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Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 01/17/2007 : 10:13:37

I talked to Buzz at Ballenger Spars and going to send him a template to make the mast base plug and decide on the correct size hinge plate. he also commmented that we could get a better deal on the mast plug and hinge plate if we had a larger order. Please email me if you would like to be considered on this order.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 01/17/2007 : 11:48:29

I think Judy built the hinge because her C-27 didn't come with any mast stepping aids (C-27 not designed for trailering). I fabricated an equivalent modification for a Lightning I had which came with a keel stepped mast. (Lightning not designed for single handed trailer launching.)

As for buying a mast base plug, I'd first check around to see if a local machine shop or similar had some scrap 3/4" or so aluminum plate lying around they'd sell by the pound. It would be a fairly simple jigsaw, file, drill, and tap project. Then you could bolt a generic hinge under it like Judy did.

As for C-25s, I think the heavy duty (late model) factory mast step is just fine.

-- Leon Sisson

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boatgt
Navigator

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117 Posts

Response Posted - 01/17/2007 : 21:37:06

<font size="4">The mast plug you are trying to make already exists. If this is what you are looking for I actually have 2 of them. </font id="size4">

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Steve Siefken
1st Mate

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USA
81 Posts

Response Posted - 01/17/2007 : 22:30:50

I hate to sound stupid, but what is the purpose of a hinge step?

Yours in ignorance,

Steve

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boatgt
Navigator

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117 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2007 : 15:39:55

<font size="3"> The hinge step is a nice clean way to attach the mast tube to the hinge. You bolt the step to the hinge then screw the step to the mast tube. The whole unit allows you to raise and lower the mast in a smoother manner. The masts that I have raised and lowered with hinged steps don't seem to sway as bad when raising and lowering.</font id="size3">

Edited by - boatgt on 01/18/2007 15:44:18

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2007 : 21:42:34

Gene,

I am interested in one of your mast plugs if you are willing to part with it. Please email and let me know.

Thanks

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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2007 : 22:19:14

I wouldn't use it for my TR. I launch with the mast down as most areas around our area don't have large parking areas and I rather raise the mast on the water as it is shorter distance down than when on the trailer. Also launching for the San Juans it is much cheaper to sling launch than to use the travel lift. Even with a bridle and gin pole I sway around and with a hinge it couldn't take the pressure and would have to bend or come loose. The stock mast step with the slot for the bolt allows for the movements and the bolt can be removed without a lot of effort after the take down. Just thinking out loud and an other view.

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 01/19/2007 : 08:50:25

The installation of the mast hinge seems to favor the port side (pictures #2 and 5). The mast will not sail true to the direction of the hull. With any luck there will be enough play in the hinge pin to accommodate this. It appears to be off about 1/8' just 4 or 5 " forward of the pin. Nitpicking for sure B U T !!!

Val on the hard DAGNABIT # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

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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.