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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Weight of pop top

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michaelj
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132 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/04/2013 : 14:49:48

Does anyone know roughly what the weight of the pop top on a Catalina 25 is? I'm having major problems with the gas springs that come in the CD kit and I think that the weight of the pop top may be an issue. Thanks..

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2013 : 18:28:41

That seems odd. I've seen posts where folks who bought that mod were very pleased. I'm not sure what they weigh or if it varies from year to year although I think it wouldn't. Maybe 40 lbs?

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GaryB
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Response Posted - 01/04/2013 : 20:52:09

I haven't installed this option but from what I remember reading on several different sites is that the struts have to be "pre-loaded" and the only way to do that is to move the pop-top all the way forward against the mast before installing the struts with the kit. If that's not done the struts won't support the pop-top.

Then again, I may be totally full of hot air and/or you may have already done the above. Take it for what it's worth, nothing.

Let us know how you work it out.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
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Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 07:36:49

They could simply be worn out if it is an old system.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 09:29:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">...the struts have to be "pre-loaded" and the only way to do that is to move the pop-top all the way forward against the mast before installing the struts with the kit. If that's not done the struts won't support the pop-top.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I believe the struts should be pre-loaded with the mast down so they can be extended past the vertical position. Do you have CD's instructions? What do they say about that? But let's back up... What are your "major problems"? (I assume you know the struts are not meant to keep the top up--you should still use the mast hook.)

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 01/05/2013 09:33:40

Prospector
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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 11:32:17

a few of us worked together to make up parts lists for diy lift kits around this time last year. IIRC, the struts are 120 lbs and 15" - I detailed it on a post in my blog. Follow the link below, then search.

EDIT - 120lbs of thrust confirmed, dunno length. I can tell you in the spring.

Edited by - Prospector on 01/08/2013 20:42:36

Prospector
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Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 11:44:08

If you are having a hard time compressing the springs or closing the top, it wouldn't surprise me. I found cd's struts far harder to close than their equivalents from the auto parts place.

There are a couple techniques to getting things together, and the most common is what was mentioned above (mast down, pop top forward) but I have also seen ratchet straps, clamps, and a variety of other devices used to compress the struts.

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Voyager
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5377 Posts

Response Posted - 01/05/2013 : 17:09:36

At 120 pounds+, using a homemade method to compress the struts can put you into physical danger.

If you were lucky enough to use some kind of rope/line to hold the struts after you somehow compressed them, and then suddenly the line snapped, the strut could easily become a dangerous projectile. As they advised Ralphie in The Christmas Story, "You're going to shoot your eye out!"

Going back to Dave Bristle's recommended procedure, you'd have to drop the mast in order to position the poptop correctly to install the struts without having to compress them.

Now, it may be possible to simply tilt the mast forward a 10-20 degrees to install the struts without compressing them. The leeway provided by tilting the mast forward could give you enough forward position for the poptop.

If you want to make the poptop a bit lighter and easier to maneuver, you could loosen one of the slider rails and remove the sliding top.

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michaelj
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Response Posted - 01/07/2013 : 09:50:06

Thanks to all who responded. The problem I am having is that the gas springs (three of them now) will work fine for a while, but then will freeze in the extended position. The springs are made by the Harco Group. I have been in touch with them. The springs which they send to CD are rated at 120 lbs. To reiterate, the kit was installed by my local and highly reputable boatyard (Sailcraft in Oriental, NC).

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Prospector
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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2013 : 11:59:16

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by michaelj
 Thanks to all who responded. The problem I am having is that the gas springs (three of them now) will work fine for a while, but then will freeze in the extended position. The springs are made by the Harco Group. I have been in touch with them. The springs which they send to CD are rated at 120 lbs. To reiterate, the kit was installed by my local and highly reputable boatyard (Sailcraft in Oriental, NC).
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Is harco sending new ones? I wasn't impressed with the struts to be honest, adn really prefered the auto-parts ones. The Harcos have plastic ends which are prone to cracking - the auto parts ones were all steel. Maybe not ideal in a saltwater environment, but no issues so far where I sail.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2013 : 13:20:03

Have you also reported this to CD? They might be aware of the problem or of some possibly preventable reason this can happen. Or they might want to consider this with any other feedback regarding their choice of suppliers. The kit is their product--they choose the components.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 01/07/2013 21:01:08

michaelj
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132 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2013 : 06:10:30

Yes, I discussed the problem with CD when I got one replacement spring. Harco has not gotten back to me. Prospector, what exact kind of gas springs can you get at the auto store?

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