I am in the process of acquiring a '76 C27 tall rig, and in looking it over it appears that most of the retrofits have yet to be done. I think I am looking at replacing the through hull(s) since I saw what appeared to be a fiberglass volcano where the drain for the icebox goes through the hull, the spreader sockets, etc.. In looking at the issue of the eye bolt/u bolt retrofit kit(s) for the shrouds issue, I'm not sure if I need to do the retrofit or not. The current fitting has a somewhat rectangular vertical fitting that the shroud attaches to above the deck, with one bolt that comes through the deck and passes through a 3" x 6" metal plate on the ceiling in the cabin before it is fastened with a nut. Is this the "eyebolt retrofit kit" that I have heard about as the precursor to the current "U bolt retrofit kit", or is this the original way the boat was built, and exactly what I need to replace?? Thanks! George
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eyebolts
The new retrofit eyebolt is distinguished from the outside by a small circular stainless plate at the base of the eyebolt with 2 screw holes that attach to the deck to reduce compression. If you sail in much more than light air though, I'd strongly consider a move to the U bolt. Hope this helps.
The new retrofit eyebolt is distinguished from the outside by a small circular stainless plate at the base of the eyebolt with 2 screw holes that attach to the deck to reduce compression. If you sail in much more than light air though, I'd strongly consider a move to the U bolt. Hope this helps.
Sail First
George, This comment will probably draw a lot of fire, but it comes from experience. I just bought a 81 Cat 27 back in June. My thought at the time was I had to fix all these upgrades. Now I wish I had just put the boat in the water and enjoyed the season. The boat has been OK with the orginal equipment for all these years, it will be OK until the end of the season when you store it for the winter. I'm not saying don't do it, just do it at the right time.
George, This comment will probably draw a lot of fire, but it comes from experience. I just bought a 81 Cat 27 back in June. My thought at the time was I had to fix all these upgrades. Now I wish I had just put the boat in the water and enjoyed the season. The boat has been OK with the orginal equipment for all these years, it will be OK until the end of the season when you store it for the winter. I'm not saying don't do it, just do it at the right time.
I'm with Gene
Since a fellow Texan stuck their neck out, I thought I should chime in. My '74 has had none of the recommended retrofits (although I plan to do the spreaders and chainplate in the next month). I have sailed her for two and a half years and have had the toe rail in the water many times and she has held up beautifully. A lot of sailors seem to be overly cautious which is a good thing when comes to water. But then again I grew up surfing, chasing tropical storms all over the coast, so don't listen to me! Sean Austin, TX C27
Since a fellow Texan stuck their neck out, I thought I should chime in. My '74 has had none of the recommended retrofits (although I plan to do the spreaders and chainplate in the next month). I have sailed her for two and a half years and have had the toe rail in the water many times and she has held up beautifully. A lot of sailors seem to be overly cautious which is a good thing when comes to water. But then again I grew up surfing, chasing tropical storms all over the coast, so don't listen to me! Sean Austin, TX C27
Timing is everything!
All the prior comments are correct... You need to do the "U-bolt" thing, and spreader sockets. But, if you sail in easy conditions (like 15K or less), and the survey found no immediate nasty stuff, do it, but do it over the winter, when you're not wanting to sail. A guy in my harbor has a C30 He has spent the whole season upgrading the mast, because the surveyor found (and ins. company was worried about) a small hairline crack in the mast step. Like would be a problem in SF Bay! But in my home harbor (75 miles from SF Bay), we see winds over 20 knots maybe 2 days during sailing season! Of course, replacing the mast step is a 1/2 day job. BUT, as long as the mast was down, it was the opportunity to replace the spreaders, shrouds, re-wire, etc., etc. So he lost a whole year of sailing... Like everything in life, it's all in the timing... Do it safely, but do it ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE IF YOU CAN!
All the prior comments are correct... You need to do the "U-bolt" thing, and spreader sockets. But, if you sail in easy conditions (like 15K or less), and the survey found no immediate nasty stuff, do it, but do it over the winter, when you're not wanting to sail. A guy in my harbor has a C30 He has spent the whole season upgrading the mast, because the surveyor found (and ins. company was worried about) a small hairline crack in the mast step. Like would be a problem in SF Bay! But in my home harbor (75 miles from SF Bay), we see winds over 20 knots maybe 2 days during sailing season! Of course, replacing the mast step is a 1/2 day job. BUT, as long as the mast was down, it was the opportunity to replace the spreaders, shrouds, re-wire, etc., etc. So he lost a whole year of sailing... Like everything in life, it's all in the timing... Do it safely, but do it ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE IF YOU CAN!
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