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johnnyd
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/03/2019 : 14:27:35

Just wondering if there is another way of propping up the pop-top without disconnecting the boom Vang.

sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2019 : 17:31:53

No, you must disconnect the vang. And you can sail well to windward without the vang, but you�ll want it when sailing off the wind.

Edited by - sethp001 on 07/03/2019 17:33:11

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2019 : 05:40:49

you might be able to reef and raise the boom.

Always rig something else to keep the pop top up. The rig rattles and that little screw comes loose and drops and you don't know it has dropped, very dangerous as the pop top is heavy.

Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel

Edited by - redeye on 07/05/2019 05:58:47

SKS
Navigator

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USA
161 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2019 : 05:53:58

I've found the single biggest hurdle to using the pop-top is removing the boom vang. Releasing the circular cotter pin to be able to release the vang fastener is a real PITA.
I've bought a swivel bail with a quick release bail to make removing the boom vang much easier.
I only need to release one side, the one at the mast.

"Lady E" 1986 Catalina 25: Fin Keel, Standard Rig, Inboard M12 Diesel, Sail No. 5339
Sailing out of Norwalk Cove Marina, Connecticut

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5882 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2019 : 07:23:08

If you need to sail downwind without the vang, don't try to sail dead downwind or wing and wing. Instead, sail in broad reaches on alternate tacks. While on a broad reach, let the traveler all the way down and ease the mainsheet. The mainsheet and traveler will restrain the boom from lifting much.

When you have to gybe, center the traveler and lock it there, and then bring in the mainsheet. When you make the turn, the gybe will be controlled and the boom won't swing very far. After the gybe, ease the traveler and mainsheet as before.

By broad reaching downwind, generally you'll make about the same progress downwind as if you sailed DDW. (Sometimes a little more and sometimes less, depending on the conditions.)

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3320 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2019 : 08:10:28

In the C22 manual there is a template for a decorative wooden shape to fit under the sides of the pop-top when it's raised. I don't know whether it's available on line. BTW I never undid the vang, just loosened it and as the pop-top was raised it pushed the lines out of the way.

Derek Crawford
Chief Measurer C25-250 2008
Previous owner of "This Side UP"
1981 C-25 TR/FK #2262 Used to have an '89 C22 #9483, "Downsized"
San Antonio, Texas

dalelargent
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2019 : 08:52:22

I frequently raise the pop top, but never remove the vang. I do have to loosen/relax the line a great deal. After doing so, it just rides forward from the pop top pushing it forward as raised. I do often have to help the vang and line to the side of the mast so the forward edge of the pop top can meet the mast.

1989 c25 WK/TR #5838
1998 Catalina 36 mkii
1983 Vagabond 14

Edited by - dalelargent on 07/25/2019 08:53:13

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2019 : 06:55:20

often people rig a snap shackle quick release with a swivel and a line or leather line coming off the release pin. quick Disconnect from the bottom of the boom.

Some rig a block and tackle like that also to use as a preventer. Easy and quick to release.

Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel

Edited by - redeye on 07/26/2019 06:57:45

Lee Panza
Captain

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USA
465 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2019 : 19:53:44

I not only use snap shackles on both ends of the vang, I reposition the entire assembly between the gooseneck downhaul and an eyestrap that I've installed on the pop-top; in that position I can use the vang as a tackle to raise the pop-top. It's quick and it sure makes it a lot easier to use the pop-top.

The trouble with a destination - any destination, really - is that it interrupts The Journey.

Lee Panza
SR/SK #2134
San Francisco Bay
(Brisbane, CA)

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2019 : 06:46:45

I use a snap shackle on my vang at the mast. I also have turned it around so the cam cleat is at the boom and the line dangles in the companionway and is reachable from the cockpit.
I single hand and have all lines led aft and it made sense to be able to reach the vang easily.

John Gisondi
Peregrine #4762

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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.