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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Pop Top Brace C250WB (2002)

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Capt Bob
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/20/2011 : 08:54:06

We are looking for solutions to stabilize the two stands that support the pop top on the 2002 C250WB. As it is now, there is only a rubber cap at the end of each post. Without some additional securing, this would bounce and move and possibly drop altogether.

What have others done to remedy this problem?

Thank you very kindly for your advise!

Fort Myers, FL
Up the Caloosahatchee-WITH a paddle!

Bob & Kath
Fort Myers, FL
Up the Caloosahatchee-WITH a paddle!

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2011 : 10:04:33

Mine have never "bounced". Understand that the pop top is not designed to be raised while underway. I can't imagine a circumstance, while anchored or docked, that the boat "bounce" at all let alone sufficiently to raise the top off of its supports. Do you have the supports angled aft? and tucked into the corners? Gravity does the rest.

In short, it's not a problem.

Not a great photo but you can see how the supports angle slightly backward,

Edited by - John Russell on 03/20/2011 10:15:22

Capt Bob
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2011 : 15:37:52

We have had some rough anchorages over the years and weathered some funky storms in the night hanging off the hook. We prefer leaving the pop top up because there is more air to circulate. Use the windscoop and fans when warm...

We got used to sailing with the pop top up with our MacGregor. But maybe since there is so much more room on the C250 we won't have that compulsion? Also visibility would be a problem with this design cuz of the hinge.

Thank you for your comment.

Edited by - on

Capt Bob
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2011 : 15:40:12

@John I just re-read you comment. Tucked into what corners?

Thanx!

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2011 : 16:04:15

It's hard to see in the photo but the aft half of the drain is covered by starboard (it forms the slot for the companionway slaiding hatch) The supports fit up against the corner made by that starboard over the drain.

Sailing with the pop top up can be dangerous if you get into a blow. If you were to get knocked down, it would just make it easier for water to fill the boat. The Catalina, unlike the MacGregor, will not float when filled with water. It does not have voids filled with flotation. Additionally, since there are no side decks, walking forward is more problematic with the hatch up. Not terribly difficult but, if you have to get up front in a hurry, it could be in the way.

Does your boat have the vinyl tent cover for the companionway? That would also serve to prevent wind from lifting the hatch. It would take a lot of wind to lift it in any event.

Besides, if your in a storm, wouldn't you want the hatch closed? Not a big fan of wet beds.

Edited by - John Russell on 03/20/2011 16:05:51

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2011 : 17:47:55

Bob, If you haven't figured it out yet the starboard is the material those two strips are made of, held in with like 4 selftapping screws. The two support legs with the rubber caps slide/fit in the drain against the forward part of the starboard strips. Tough motoring never mind sailing with that hatch [storm hood] up, can't see forward. While at my dock I raise that hatch up as far as I can and the legs are verticle, never used the tent cover. I'm 6'0 and need the head room and air. JMTCW

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2011 : 19:31:53

We use the pop top 'tent' every trip! And have been in some nasty storms at anchor with the pop top up and absolutly no issues with the system at all.

Like you, 6' and if I don't want to be on my knees then we have to put the pop top up.

We have put curtains on velcro attached to the lower foreward edge of the wooden strips under the 'roof' and on the support pole on the aft end of the pop top.

Yep, if it's up, then you are unable to see ahead. So we stow it before pulling anchor.

Paul

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Capt Bob
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2011 : 12:58:40

We never had any issues with the pop top up (with cover on) in any weather with MacGregor. Sometimes had to scramble to get cover on if a storm blew up in the night. Yes, stories there! Yes, there is a tent cover with this C250. We would use it alot hanging off the hook. When we do our shakedown will look more closely. Thanx to all for the comments! A fun new adventure ahead for my (second) retirement.

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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.