1987 Catalina 27 rigging upgrades

[Any Sea]

I've recently aquired a 1987 Cataline 27 standard rig with the early style boom.

I'm interested in rigging one (or two) single line reefs, modifying the outhaul to run to the cockpit, and adding a boom vang. Looking for input on:
1) adding blocks to the boom for the reef lines
2) routing the outlhaul to the cockpit on the early style boom
3) adding the attachment to the boom and mast for the boom vang.
4) adding turning blocks at the mast base and providing added deck organizers.

The boat has been through a substaintial re-fit. The decks are freshly painted and all rigging is new. Want to take some time to do this well and respect the fine conditon of this boat.

 

[jssailem]

I've recently aquired a 1987 Cataline 27 standard rig

I note that you have been a Catalina 22 owner. You indicated an interest in Coastal Cruising and local Regattas. Now you have purchased a bigger boat. 22 to 27 ft growth…

Have you asked yourself, Why do you want to make the list of changes to the Mainsail rigging?

How many reef points do you have on the mainsail?
Are you getting a new mainsail with multiple reefing points? Why?
Are you changing your focus in sailing activity to racing or to greater cruising? I ask this because being 200nm from the coast and facing a major storm, could be a reason to have a 2 or 3 reef points main and all the running rigging in the cockpit. But it could also be a lot of extra expense without much use if your a coastal cruiser able to duck into a safe harbor when the weather begins to turn nasty.


Does the “standard rig” you mentioned have the mainsheet on a mid deck traveler or is the main sheet attached to the end of the boom? The desire of a “vang” may not be needed.

What type of foredeck sail do you own? Is it rigged to be reefed? This is important as you have a back stay holding your mast up. That would be a mast head rig. This would put the power of the sail plan in the foresail. Do you really need 2 reef points on the Mainsail if the power is in the foresail?

The how to do these changes is straight forward. The rational to do them is more complex. Note adding all that you propose will change the nature and structure of your new to you boat. It is worth doing these things with purpose.

 

[Any Sea]

jssailem:
Thanks for your toughts.
You're correct in that I am stepping up to this boat from a C-22. That was my first boat and a great classroom to learn to the basics of sailing and boat maintenace. I've rigged her in much the same manner as I wish to rig the C-27.

I have crewed for the past 4 years on a friends very competively raced boat. Both locally and on open water passages. I plan to continue to get my racing fix with him. We plan to primarily coastal cruise the boat on weekends and occassionally race her on a Thursday or Sunday Club Race.

My interest in improving the rigging on the C-27 is to gain experience to improve my contributions on his boat and to prepare for the next boat, which will be a 35-40 foot vessel to be used for extened cruises in retirement in a few years.

Our C-27 is a later model with the mainsheet on a mid deck traveler. We are currently shopping for new sails. Likely a main with at least one reef, a furling 150 Genoa, and a cruising spinnaker.

My specific interest in this post is to compare notes with other C-27 owners regarding:
Installing turning blocks on the early style boom- the boom does not afford the space to route the lines internally.
Adding turning blocks at the mast base-The mast is equipped exit blocks for the halyards. I'm thinking someone may recommend a plate to attach some blocks aft of the mast below the boom. Catalina Direct sells a mast step halyard plate. I'm looking for a solution that doesnt require the mast to be removed.
Adding the attachment to the boom and mast for the boom vang- Catalina Direct sells a boom vang kit with a bail at the mast and the boom. Looking for altertnatives to the bails. I don't need the whole kit.

I'm expecting to apply some C-22 techniques here. That forum is packed with experienced, creative owners that have shared hundreds (if not thousands) of great tips. Hoping to find some similar C-27 sailers here.