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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

back stay removal

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sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/31/2003 : 11:58:50

Quick question...I keep my boat in a wet slip, so I've never taken the backstays off. I bought a bimini from the dealer and the design feeds the backstays through two holes in the fabric (he should of had zippers put in). Needless to say removal of the bimini now requires the backstays also have to be removed.
The question - Since a lot of you trailer, this probably is a basic set- up breakdown item, but my concern is the stability of the mast while the backstays are off for a few days, and when you hook them back on is there a tech. to know proper tension? Thanks
I'd like to add a window to the bimini (moon roof) to see the main shape, and wind needle while sailing, really need protection during the hot Fl. summers. Also thinking about detachable roll down windows to protect from blowing water/rain. Anyone do these mods and if so any tips?
Ha, looking at the length of this enty, I should change the subject title!

Suzie
Tropical Sleigh WB#619
Sarasota FL.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 12:35:07

The easiest way to support your mast while removing the backstays is to tie a line to your main halyard, and then tie the line securely to either your stern pulpit or a stern cleat. Don't disconnect your backstays without first setting up your main halyard to use as a substitute.

If you are satisfied with the way your rig is presently tuned, you could probably mark the turnbuckles before you remove them, so that when you re-install them, you can tighten them down to the same tension as they are presently.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

Edited by - on

Sailor Vic
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 12:43:15

Sailgal,

Hope you'll take a picture of the bimini when you have it installed and share it with us.

I'd love to see some pictures of biminis installed on 250's.

Thanks,

Vic
#660 250WK - No. Calif.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 13:51:28

I trailer , so zippers would be mandatory, I'd need to be able to remove it easily. (Oops that would add to staging time....) Otherwise the Bimini would be flappin' in the 70mph breeze.

Steve's advice regarding the temporary stay is good. Dont rely on the cam cleat.....take it to a mast cleat and belay it securely.

I've seen windows in bimini's, with a removable (completely, don't mess with rolling it up etc.) cover, attached with velcro over/under the plastic.

Indeed, make pictures and share them.

Oscar
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/LKforumshot.jpg" border=0>
Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway, just back from Florida ready to go anytime.

Edited by - oscar on 03/31/2003 13:54:45

Edited by - on

Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 14:15:56

Before installing your new Bimini, I would make sure that the backstay holes are lined with some chafe protector - such as chamois or leather- this has really helped mine.

C-250 WK #641
Flywater@sbcglobal.net
Lake Texoma, Texas

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 14:45:55

The backstay on the c250 water ballast with the shrouds at the deck joint can be removed without consequence. You may want to release the shroud pressure on one side.... just count the turns you release just as you do the backstay. The mast will be supported fine by the side shrouds.

I do not know the placement of the shrouds on the newer models that use the wink deck so if yours has the shrouds on the cabin top... use the main halyard as Steve suggested.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 18:53:55

Here is a few pictures of my current bimini set up, as you can see the back stays go thru holes, gonna add zippers to make removal easier.<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd10b3127cce959a5f3ee2f50000001610" border=0><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd10b3127cce959a5f0d63f60000001610" border=0>
Thanks guys for input!

Suzie
Tropical Sleigh WB#619
Sarasota FL.

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 07:57:14

Where did you relocate the traveler that is normally in front of the companionway? I can't see it in the photos.

Cathy
"Blown Away"
'97 C250WK #253

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 09:52:14

Looks like sailgal doesn't have a traveler, neither does my 2002 WB.......

Thank you Arlyn for pointing out that the upper shrouds are far enough back to keep 'er upright when fiddeling with the back stay. That's going to save me time in MUMD (mast up mast down)<img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Oscar
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/LKforumshot.jpg" border=0>
Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway in Behtlehem, PA ready to go anytime.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 10:11:24

Cathy, the water ballast has never had a traveler...

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 12:01:30

<font color=blue>Cathy, the water ballast has never had a traveler... - Arlyn</font id=blue>

OK ... now I'm really confused <img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle>

Where and to what is the mainsheet attached?

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 14:23:09

The lower block of the mainsheet cascade is fixed to the deck bridge via a casting which has a built in sheeve also to handle the center board retract line.

There is likely some loss of sail control on the water ballast by not having a traveler... it could certainly be added and has been. Reports however have been fairly mixed as to the effectivness and therefore have left many water ballast owners including myself hesitant to invest in something that may not pay dividends.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 14:45:13

Arlyns right, water ballast do not come equipped with a traveler. The dealer offered one as an option on my 2002, the track would mount right in front of the companionway door, yet it was less than two feet in length and I couldn't believe for the money and aftermarket modification it would be really a significant upgrade. Additionally, it would interfere with entry/exit of the cabin. So far I can honestly say I don't miss it.
Did you look at that silly bimini of mine? Ugh wish I could of met the seamstress who designed it!

Suzie
Tropical Sleigh WB#619
Sarasota FL.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 17:24:46

<font color=blue>Did you look at that silly bimini of mine? Ugh wish I could of met the seamstress who designed it!

Suzie
Tropical Sleigh WB#619
Sarasota FL.
</font id=blue>

What???????? I think your boat looks fantastic! Why don't you like your bimini?

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 04/02/2003 : 00:24:29

Thanks Buzz, I enjoy having the bimini, just wish the tailer/seamstress would have made removal an easier task. The current set up requires the backstays having to be removed. I'm gonna add zippers to remedy that when I take it off. Thanks for the compliment. Really enjoy my baby!

Suzie
Tropical Sleigh WB#619
Sarasota FL.

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2003 : 21:33:06

Hey Sailgal, how 'bout an update on your bimini?

I'm having some canvas work done, but didn't like what my canvas guy came up with for a sun shade/bimini, so I'm looking around.

Are you happy with yours, now that you've had it a few months? Anything you'd change if you had to replace it? Do you know what brand (if any) it is? Dimensions (can you stand up under it)? Did your mast fall when you removed the backstay<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>.

Any info would be appreciated, yours really does look nice...

Al Maniccia
SeaWolf C250WK #698
Marina Del Rey, CA

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2003 : 09:19:47

Suzie,
The Bimini on my new 250WB came with the same lace-closing holes as yours but also had zippers from the edge of the canvas to the holes. The thing is, they were of no use as the process of dismantling the aluminum frame or removing the canvas from it looked to be twenty times more involved than just removing the backstays. Done with no difficulty whatsoever... My problem now is that the bimini cover doesn't zip al the way closed. It seems the placement of the bimini "feet" was done too far aft making the holes on the cover too far apart.
Bill

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 01:16:05

Al, I've been so busy this spring on other projects that I put off the bimini for the moment. On my to do list is to add a window (moon roof <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>in the bimini. My neighbors boat has one and they love it. I didn't think about the fact that you can't see the top of the mast when sitting under it without reaching up and pushing the top over enough for a quick look at the ol' vane. Soooooo.... mention adding a window to your canvas guy/gal and also have them attach a extra piece of fabric to cover the plastic when not using, otherwise it will get real hot (greenhouse) and ruin the plastic in the sun over time.
The top by the way was made by my 250 dealer in St. Pete FL. (Masthead), and you can't really stand up fully, but that doesn't bother me since I have a tiller. I really love the top, ya really need one in FL. The summer sun is quite intense!

Bill, bummer to hear about you zipper situation. Good luck trying to get it worked out. I still think I may add short zippers off the backstay boots. See what happens.

Suzie, Tropical Sleigh
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da07b3127cce96a441e875780000001010" border=0>
WB #619 Sarasota FL.

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 06/27/2003 : 15:17:35

Suzie, here are a couple of pics of my bimini with a window and zippers...I really like it a lot. C&C sails in Houston made it for about 10 boat units:the first pic is taken looking up at the zippered, window area. The flap rolls up and fastens with a velcro tie, the second picture is from the top.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d806b3127cce8a45759094c50000002613" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d806b3127cce8a468a5635000000001610" border=0>
I can unzip the entire window section for cleaning or to access the back stay turnbuckle.
Steve

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc32b3127cce94d57c8cff3b0000001010" border=0> Moon Chaser #385WK <img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/forum1.gif" border=0>

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sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2003 : 12:01:50

Oh I'm Jealous....your bimini is great!!!!!!!! Seems I got bogged down with home projects and my bimini project was put aside for the summer. Thanks for sharing photos, I'm printing and saving them for when I finally find the time to work on my own bimini window.

Suzie, Tropical Sleigh
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da07b3127cce96a441e875780000001010" border=0>
WB #619 Sarasota FL.

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