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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

New C250 Back Stay location

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raulpou
Navigator

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144 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/05/2006 : 19:19:00

Hello to all,

I just got back from St. Petersburg for the strictly sail show, and I must admit we had a blast! There was lots of boats, gear, and food! We also found out that Lattitudes & Attitudes was having a party at the end of the show on Saturday and we stayed. They had free beer, food and live music!!! My father and I did not know it was that much fun or we would have gone every year.

On to the "meat and potatos" of my post. I noticed that the 2007 C250 has a single backstay that is no longer attached to the "eye loops" on the stern. They have eliminated those altogether and gone to a single stay that is attached, believe it or not, to the deck. The exact location is on the port side almost to the edge of the stern. This area is also known to host your feet when climbing aboard using the ladder or jumping out to swim. I was sincerely appalled by their choice of location. They literally put an "eye loop" on the deck and attached the stay in a location that will SURELY stub your toes!

I wish I had a picture to show but I forgot my camera. Also, I noticed another change in the interior of the boat. They have eliminated the propane tank, therefore giving you all that extra storage space in the cockpit. The change led to a flush mounted stove that uses canisters. What I found really nice is that because it is flush mounted and has a cover, there is a lot more counter space. This in my opinion is a nice upgrade on their part!

I honestly could not get over the single stay's location! I was also told by the gentleman at the show that you have to be very careful with the tuning of the mast because the single stay will bend the mast to the port side.

Just thought you guys would like to know!

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2006 : 20:09:20

Raul,
we have the 2005 C250 WB and that is where the backstay connects! It is really not an issue for your feet, but it is an issue when climbing aboard or moving from behind the wheel.
We'll be implementing our solution before years end, it will be a double backstay! Each stay will go from the masthead down to the outside of the catbird seats. Someone else made a split backstay attached to that position, but we have a bimini and a split backstay would interfere with the bimini. I think that by extending the dual backstays all the way to the masthead I will be able to use pelican clips at the base for speedy setup/breakdown.
You also described our galley arrangement.
The thing I'm curious about is the cabin table! They were supossedly going to redesign it to be more like the one in the C309 (style not size :)

Paul

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raulpou
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144 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2006 : 08:23:59

No improvements on the table, it looks the same other than it is brown to look like wood. As for the bimini, you may want to look into it because my bimini has a hole for the stays. That may be an easy modification for you.

My comment on the back stay is that we go into the water almost every time I sail and it seems that the location of the stay is in the way and t should not have to be.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2006 : 09:50:23

Please correct me if I am just ignorant. Isn't the 250 rig swept back? So much of the aft support of the mast is handled by the side rigging. That being the case the loads on the backstay are minimal and you could probably put it nearly anywhere without too much concern about strength. In this forum there have been photos of several different locations for split backstays. It almost makes you wonder if Catalina considered going with out one at all. If I had a single backstay I would have it cut and have a toggle swagged about 7' off the deck. I would put a block on the toggle and run a purchase either up to it if I had a good center anchoring spot or I would use the running split adjuster like catalinadirect sells.

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britinusa
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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2006 : 13:52:38

Yes, our bimini has a hole for the back stay and that is another issue, the bimini also sheild from the rain, except where the backstay hole is.
To expand upon Franks mod details:
By running dual backstays from the masthead, the chaffing on the bimini would be reduced. To provide a means of adjusting the tension, I think a simple line between the two could increase the tension. And yes, when the mast is up on the hard, there is no tension in the backstay, the shrouds and forestay hold it upright, as far as I can see the backstay is for trim and safety only.

Paul.

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paulb
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2006 : 09:01:43

My '96 250WB came with a split back stay which I used for a summer of sailing in the Pacific Northwest. I noticed at last years Sail Expo that the 250 had switched to a single back stay. I then modified my back stay to the single attachment point when I added stern seats and a bimini. Both of which would have been very difficult to install or use with the existing split stays. I used this setup all summer in B.C. to Desolation Sound without any noticable difference in performance. A friend with a 260 Hunter sails with me and does not even have a back stay. I realize that they use a fractional rig, but the side stays are in the exact corresponding location as those on the 250 Catalina.

It has not been noticably in the way and even provides a handle to hoist yourself up from the swim ladder when boarding. This has proven to be a plus with kids and adults who are a bit portly.

There is my two cents worth.

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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.