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.
I've an 82 STD rig, Does anyone have a few pics of where (how) the boom should be attached to the mast? I see in the boom height post that the stop fitting was above the boom? is that correct? also approx. how far from the mast along the boom should the boom-vang bail be? mine appears too far away from the mast but I'm not sure. And approx. how far above the mast head should the boom be? To be clear, mine is still on the slider.
The boom's gooseneck slider remains below the opening in the "kerf" (mast slot), and is generally held there by a downhaul line to a cleat in the kerf near the base of the mast. A track "stopper" is generally used above the opening to keep the sail's slugs from falling out when the sail is dropped or reefed. I put a stopper below the gooseneck to hold it up when the sail was dropped, although the boom liked to kick it downwards over time. I also installed mast gate plates (from Catalina Direct) to contain the slugs and let them drop all the way to the boom.
The height of the boom above the mast base (the "head" is the top) depends on the sail--at full hoist the boom should be keeping the luff of the sail fairly tight, which can be done by winching or pulling on the halyard, or by pushing down on the boom as you cleat the downhaul. I left the downhaul cleated at a length where I could tension the luff with the halyard from the cockpit--some people sit on the boom and then cleat the downhaul.
The rule of thumb is the vang should be about 45 degrees from the mast and boom. Further out on the boom, it has less downward force and puts unnecessary pressure on the gooseneck. Closer in it tends to pull down more on the luff than on the leech of the sail, so is less effective (and almost redundant with the boom downhaul).
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
The boom vang should form a 90 deg triangle when viewed from the side so the distance from the deck attachment point up to the bottom of the boom will be the same distance measured from the mast out along the boom to the vang attachment point.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688 Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound
The boom vang should form a 90 deg triangle when viewed from the side so the distance from the deck attachment point up to the bottom of the boom will be the same distance measured from the mast out along the boom to the vang attachment point.
...another way of describing a 45 deg. vang.
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Thanks guys this is a big help. As you can tell, I got this boat as a 'needs everything' kit. I'm close to launching now. Should be fun I've never sailed a Catalina 25. Thanks again. Jan
BTW, in case the downhaul isn't already there and it isn't clear, a simple way to attach it to the gooseneck is to put the line (probably 1/4") through the hole at the bottom of the casting and tie a half-hitch stopper knot.
I recall you've sailed something smaller... The C-25 is very conventional, forgiving, and performs nicely. (First time out, remember: The jib sheets go above the lifelines and outside of the shrouds. ) Best of luck!
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
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.