C27 Spreader Bracket

[Ferg]

Downer, one of the original spreader mounts on my mast has a crack in it. I’m positive that’s a bad thing…..Has anyone installed the upgrade bracket available from Catalina Direct?Stuff I’d like to know; difficulty of installation & any thoughts and feelings on whether it’s better than stock.Oh yeah, they also have a mast gate available to stop the slides from popping out of the slot. It looks like this’d be a handy thing for reefing and flaking the sail. Got it? Do you like it? Any issues with it?Later, eh!Ferg

 

[Joe]

mandatory retrofit

the stainless steel spreader brackets, also available from Catalina Yachts, is considered a mandatory upgrade over the old aluminum brackets that were prone to cracking. The installation is fairly simple if you drop the mast. If you buy 'em from catalina factory the customer service tech will answer your installation questions.The mast gate is handy, get extra screws.

 

[Peter]

I made my mastr gate

from the aluminum edging that they lay down between carpet and linoleum. A couple bucks at Lowes or Home Depot, plus 4 SS sheetmetal screws. I'm into it less than $5.00. Takes a little fiddling on original installation to get it lined up right, but its been on the boat since 1992, still going strong!

 

[Ferg]

Hey guys !!

SO, did you install the spreader brackets yourself? I do all my own work, including pulling the mast. (I do that every fall) Right now, I’m just getting into buying this year’s upgrade goodies and doing the research on how-to & what-to-watch-for. (currently still too cold to even breathe outside)Peter, thanks for info on making my own gate, I’ll look into that!Joe, I must say you’ve got fine taste in sailing boats!Ferg

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ferg, try this

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=11793

 

[Ferg]

Home made gates

May as well buy em’ from CD. By the time I buy the extra hardware and little taps and stainless machine screws, I’m doing a lot of fiddling and fumbling but only saving a few dollars. I’d still like hear from people who’ve done the spreader bracket installation themselves. Getting the expansion sleeves into place looks a little daunting.Thanks for the link Stu, well worth a sniff and everybody on that site says the gates are a must have!Ferg