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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Lower Shroud Modification

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528
Navigator

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USA
181 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/15/2008 : 08:39:39

I have been frustrated by the lower shroud placement since day 1. I have a 135 genoa on a 2001 WB. After a fair amount of contemplation, I decided enough was enough. No more awkward sail handling, I had the shrouds shortened and re-swaged. My original attachment was to an eye that replaced one of the t-track bolts. Only problem was the eye was not welded stainless, so first stiff breeze opened it like it was putty. I then attached it as you see. Works perfect and doesn't impede mast raisnig or lowering with baby stays also attached. It no longer feels like walking with 2 left shoes on!

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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 12:30:26

I have a friend who would say "You're scaring me".

I would recommend calling Catalina and discussing the modification with them. The shrouds are run to chainplates to carry the load down through the bulkheads and hull and eventually to the keel. Those loads are tremendous at times, as you saw with your first choice of placement. What if you were to make your own chainplates and install them belowdecks to carry the load down?

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528
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USA
181 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 14:03:48

I understand exactly what you are asking. My reasoning went something like this. Catalina has moved the shrouds inboard on subsequent models. The system is only as strong as the weakest component. That would probably be the pin that attaches the shroud or the shroud itself. My boat is point loaded under the lip of the deck. The backer is a brass dowel about 6" long. There may be a distribution of load per say, but nothing that would transfer to a large area of the hull and the boat has no keel. I used the t-track initially, but it was the eye that was inadequate, not the deck. I opted for the stantion thinking that the 5 bolt pattern would distribute the load better. I still have the upper shrouds in the original location. I also considered a backer plate under the stantion. Fear not, I realize everything has its limitations.

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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 14:37:12

I have an '84 C25, it has the lowers in-board, but underneath they run to chainplates on the bulkheads. My concern would be that the cabin top will distort, or the bolts will tear out and your mast will not have any support from the lowers. When that happens, the only support for your mast will be the step at the foot and the masthead attached to the uppers, most of the load is in the middle, so your mast will fold in half at the spreaders. Think of it like a straw with a load at the mid-point, when you push on the middle of a straw it easily folds in two. It will not likely happen in light conditions, it will happen in heavy air. I'm guessing Catalina would have a recommendation on how to deal with moving the lowers, such as where to attach chainplates inboard.

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Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 22:44:10

I don't see how this improves passing the sheets around the shrouds. Arn't you still stuck with the upper shroud placement anyways?

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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.