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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Mainsail Traveler

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Last Fling 71
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/30/2014 : 10:34:47

The boom on my newly purchased 1989 Catalina 25, Tall Rig seems low, when standing in the cockpit.
Has anyone changed the Catalina supplied stern attached boom traveler system for a cabin/deck mounted traveler?

Edited by - on

dasreboot
Admiral

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804 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2014 : 10:44:41

yes, but mine is not in the water yet, so i have not used it. it is a harken traveler across the front of the cockpit.

Edited by - on

Last Fling 71
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2014 : 11:19:40

How difficult was it to change travelers? What size/model did you buy? Where did you get it? Any "watch out for" comments? Did you use backing plates and bolt thru the cockpit?

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2014 : 12:39:29

While many of us have shared your feelings for the boom-end sheeting and dinky transom-mounted traveler, the low boom is a special "feature" of the tall rig--the standard rig boom is a foot higher. The '89 has a fixed gooseneck attachment to the mast, while older vintages have sliding goosenecks, so yours is a little more difficult to change. A lot has been discussed here about that--including what sail might be used and the gooseneck placement relative to the "gate" (opening) in the kerf.

In any case, mid-boom sheeting with a traveler forward is a nice upgrade (and class-illegal for racing). If you have a pop-top, a cabin-top traveler is complicated--the more common version is across the seats by the bulkhead. I was thinking about doing that, but ended up selling the boat. I would definitely back it fairly robustly--an unintended jibe could test the anchors. The undersides of the seats are easy to access in the quarterberth and the dumpster (sail locker).

It's nice not to be decapitated by the mainsheet when standing at the helm...

You also have to watch for the boom, perhaps right about ear height.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 05/30/2014 12:43:59

Kennyge
1st Mate

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USA
76 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2014 : 05:03:52

I just had one foot of sail cut off the bottom of my main to accommodate the raising of my boom and to add a bimini on my tall rig. Seems to work well and Doyle changed the foot to loose fitted which seems to be the way to go on the Long Island Sound. So far so good. I have not changed my traveler though and I don't feel it is a problem where it is.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2014 : 05:54:10

Similar to Kennyge, our new main sail was made 1' shorter, also loose footed. Replaced the fixed gooseneck with a slider. Installed a traveler across the cockpit seats, a couple of inches behind the companionway trim. Left the original traveler in place. Boom sits at a standard rig height allowing for a taller bimini.

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2014 : 06:06:57

I miss my yellow Tanzer 16.

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2014 : 15:30:32

and I miss my C25....

Edited by - on

hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2014 : 04:37:30

Mine is mid boom sheeted, but without a traveler. I can get the boom past center.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4321 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2014 : 08:36:19

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

and I miss my C25....

I can help you with that! And I have a trailer and an extra motor to go with the deal!

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2014 : 08:49:58

quote:
Originally posted by GaryB

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

and I miss my C25....

I can help you with that! And I have a trailer and an extra motor to go with the deal!

Standard rig? Derek??

Edited by - on

Chuck Tunnell
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2014 : 17:02:58

I have a C25 (my first sailboat) ready to get in the water soon. I have a similar problem. The P O moved the main mid boom/traveler forward...I have trouble raising my pop top. Do I just slide the boom up when at the dock???

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2014 : 21:47:15

Welcome, Chuck! By "moved the traveler forward", to what position? The tall rig should allow the pop-top to be raised unless your sliding gooseneck is being allowed to slide down too much when you drop the main. You could try a track-stop under the gooseneck (the sliding hinge that attaches the boom to the mast), positioned just a little below where the gooseneck is at full hoist with some tension on the downhaul that goes from the gooseneck to the cleat in the mast slot ("kerf").

I had one there (the type at left) for that purpose.

The more common purpose for a stop is to hold the slugs above the opening in the kerf so they don't fall out when you drop the sail. I and many others added "mast gates" from [url="http://catalinadirect.com/images/E9017_S01.jpg"]Catalina Direct[/url] to allow the sail slugs to drop to and even below the opening.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 06/02/2014 22:05:47

Chuck Tunnell
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2014 : 14:41:10

Thanks Dave! This info is VERY helpful. I am glad there is an easy resolution to my dilemma. I am 6'5" and want to use this pop top feature when not sailing...
My traveler is just in front of my companionway. This set up makes sense to me and believe I will like it this way (after fixing my gooseneck). This is a 1986 C25 and I believe my gooseneck is "adjustable" - will see this weekend.
Thanks again.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2014 : 20:30:51

For anyone who wants to raise the pop-top on a fairly regular basis, I'll suggest the gas strut kit that Catalina Direct has put together. I didn't get around to it before I sold, but my understanding is it reduces the load to lift and drop the top by perhaps more than 50%, and probably makes it at least a little safer. You should still use the hook on the mast to lock it in place when up, and not sail with it up... As you undoubtedly know, it's heavy enough to do some damage to people and things if it falls.

('scuze the hijack.

)

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 06/03/2014 20:31:52

cat25
Navigator

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USA
140 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2014 : 06:13:09

Look in technical tips for mid boom traveler. The cat25 bon bon installed one on the cabin top. With pins to remove it to raise the pop top. Check it out good pictures. Ken

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2014 : 10:01:37

quote:
Originally posted by pastmember

I miss my yellow Tanzer 16.

By coincidence, I installed a traveler on that boat too!

Edited by - on

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 06/06/2014 : 08:58:10

A question on the mast gates as I have never seem them in use. Does one remove them from the mast when installing/removing the sail?

Edited by - on

DavidBuoy
Admiral

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USA
707 Posts

Response Posted - 06/06/2014 : 09:01:50

quote:
Originally posted by dalelargent

A question on the mast gates as I have never seem them in use. Does one remove them from the mast when installing/removing the sail?

Correct. I really want to get some for my boat to make reefing super quick.

Edited by - on

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2014 : 18:17:31

Reefing is what motivated my interest. I have the line led to the cockpit through a clutch, but still have to head-up for sail slide management.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2014 : 10:41:58

quote:
Originally posted by dalelargent

A question on the mast gates as I have never seem them in use. Does one remove them from the mast when installing/removing the sail?

Yup. That's why they're installed with machine screws. You use a tap to thread the holes, and put some Never Seez or similar on the screws. CD includes the drill bit and tap with the gates. The rods on the gates generally have to be ground to the proper length for the opening on the mast, since it varies.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 06/10/2014 10:43:46

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2014 : 17:15:45

Thanks GaryB. But the Admiral insisted on a C22...she can't see over the cabin top on a C25 when she is at the helm...it's a bummer to be 4'9"!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2014 : 09:36:08

Derek, I sent you an email re; C22 Nationals.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4321 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2014 : 13:49:47

quote:
Originally posted by Derek Crawford

Thanks GaryB. But the Admiral insisted on a C22...she can't see over the cabin top on a C25 when she is at the helm...it's a bummer to be 4'9"!

Problem Solved!

[url="http://www3.images.coolspotters.com/photos/1023417/jeffrey-campbell-highlite-platform-sneaker-profile.jpg"]Admiral Elevator[/url]

Edited by - GaryB on 06/16/2014 13:50:11

dasreboot
Admiral

Members Avatar

804 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2014 : 05:24:27

quote:
Originally posted by Last Fling 71

How difficult was it to change travelers? What size/model did you buy? Where did you get it? Any "watch out for" comments? Did you use backing plates and bolt thru the cockpit?

sorry took so long, but i was busy sailing. It's the harken mid size. got most of the parts on ebay. A low cost auction with a car started the whole project. The beam came from west marine. I screwed up on cost there, because you cannot span the open area between the seats with a low rise beam, you have to use the high rise beam which costs more money. bolted through the cockpit seats. three separate quarter inch bolts with fender washers on both sides. It does not significantly restrict access to the cabin, and now the crew and the helmsman have access to the traveler and the mainsheet. keeps the minsheet off the helmsman's head as well. Wish I had done this a lot sooner.

Edited by - dasreboot on 07/02/2014 05:28:02

Last Fling 71
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2014 : 06:40:52

Thank you for the explanation & picture.
I found some parts for this arrangement in one of the lockers, in my boat. Apparently the previous owner had plans to eventually move the Traveler.
Once I get the missing parts, I can complete the task.

Edited by - on

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