Catalina 27 Deck ends

Sep 27, 2024
6
Catalina 27 Travis Lake
Hi, I recently took owneship of a catalina 27, 1978. At some point she seems to have suffered an issue with one of the shrouds and someone has replaed the deck end of the standing rigging with an eye bolt....I can not validate the material or strenth of this so would rather restore it to original. That said I don't seem to be able to find them anywhere, from what I can see Catalina direct has the replacment shround lines and turnbuckles but the kit does not seem to come with the deck ends (unless I am missing something). Does anyone know anywhere I may be able to get these (hope I am using the correct term its the very bottom of the shroud that goes through the deck and bolts inside the cabin roof.
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Last edited:
Jan 11, 2014
12,956
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
It never ceases to amaze what some people do to boats that is simply darn right stupid and potentially dangerous. :facepalm:

The shrouds attach to chainplates which carry the loads from the mast and sails. Second to the bolts that hold the keel on, they are the most stressed parts of the boat. Replacing one with an eye bolt that is presumably just through bolted to the deck places the mast and all the other rigging at risk of failure. It also raises the question, why was the chainplate replaced with an eyebolt? How was the original chainplate damaged? What other damage is there?

In order to give you reasonable advice on how to proceed, it is essential that we see photos of the eyebolt and how it is attached to the hull and for comparison the other hopefully good chain plates.
 
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Sep 27, 2024
6
Catalina 27 Travis Lake
Hi the eyebolt goes through the chain plate and is bolted just like the rest only using the eyebolt instead of Catalina part. I don't have photos as left the boat at the moment.
 
Jun 8, 2004
2,955
Catalina 320 Dana Point
The original eyebolt "chainplates" were prone to failure due to undersized 3/8, CD makes a beefier retrofit that they believe is adequate for a 25 but only suitable for "light" use on a 27. They suggest a change to U-bolts which would require more work and expertise to get fitted properly and may require new shrouds as well. The original mast for your boat is no longer available and replacement may exceed insured value of your vessel.
Chainplate eyebolt retrofit kit for C-25, C-27
Chainplate U-Bolt Retrofit Kit C-27
 

dLj

.
Mar 23, 2017
4,409
Belliure 41 Back in the Chesapeake
Now's there's an original piece of work...

dj
 
Sep 27, 2024
6
Catalina 27 Travis Lake
The original eyebolt "chainplates" were prone to failure due to undersized 3/8, CD makes a beefier retrofit that they believe is adequate for a 25 but only suitable for "light" use on a 27. They suggest a change to U-bolts which would require more work and expertise to get fitted properly and may require new shrouds as well. The original mast for your boat is no longer available and replacement may exceed insured value of your vessel.
Chainplate eyebolt retrofit kit for C-25, C-27
Chainplate U-Bolt Retrofit Kit C-27
Thanks, I had not see the eyebolt retrofit kit, but I did see the u-bolt...I think I may replace all 4 and inspect and reseat the chainplates, I wish this was the only intereting original piece of work I found....how about the sail track for the jibs sheet having bolts held in with only the sealant and no nuts on the ends....as its the same side of the boat I am guessing somethign happened with the foresail at some point... however there is no damaage I can see to the deck or the cabin roof but will look very closely next week :)
 
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Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,196
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Thanks, I had not see the eyebolt retrofit kit, but I did see the u-bolt...I think I may replace all 4 and inspect and reseat the chainplates, I wish this was the only intereting original piece of work I found....how about the sail track for the jibs sheet having bolts held in with only the sealant and no nuts on the ends....as its the same side of the boat I am guessing somethign happened with the foresail at some point... however there is no damaage I can see to the deck or the cabin roof but will look very closely next week :)
c
You need install the backing plate retrofit kits(2 pair, forward and aft) for the padeyes that create the chainplates for the lower shrouds. That is a known issue included in a "known issue list" created many years ago by the Intl. Catalina owners association and acknowledged by the factory, which came up with the backing plate design you see in the CD catalogue. You can also get those parts from Catalina Yachts parts dept. since they still support the boat even though it's been out of production since 1991.
The genoa T track, which is the one that runs on the toe rail... is through bolted. That was the original configuration. If yours isn't through bolted then somebody made a crappy repair. If there is a T track inboard of the toe rail, which allows for more sail trim options, then it, too, should be through bolted. I have an inside track on my boat, along with the genoa track. It's thru bolted, of course, but I rarely use it anymore since I'm not as anal about trimming out the head sail as I near 80.
While you're in the mood, check your Cap shroud chainplates, (uppers), for water damage to the plywood bulkheads they're anchored to. Drill a small inspection hole to check for damp sawdust if you're unsure. The water intrusion source, it there is any, will be were the chainplate passes through the deck. If it looks dry, I suggest you still pack sealant into the cavity as best you can... can't hurt. Oh, make sure you use a flexible sealant.... a polysulfide type such as LifeCaulk. In a pinch you could use silicone but don't tell anyone I told you... 'cause sailors HATE silicone :D.

Even though I can't find my "known issues" list... I remember another important one... the through hulls. If you have the 'gate' valve type the are on pipe glassed directly into the hull.... you need to GET RID OF THEM and replace with proper bronze or marelon through hulls and seacocks. Can't think of anything else right now but if I find the list I'll post it. Good Luck..... take care of your boat and you'll have some great memories. I've had mine since 99, always kept it up, many many upgrades... like a dodger, new stanchions and double life lines, modern instruments, new nonskid, a bad ass rocna anchor, and much much more..... Gettin' old though and finding less time and energy to enjoy her........ so the day to say good bye is approaching.