Cat 30 rigging loads

[Chris]

I purchased my first sailboat, a Catalina 30 TR 1981 model, in Jan 1999. The rigging was replace in mid 1998 by the last owner with 7/32 and 9/32 cable. I have noticed that over the past 6 months my rigging is very lose while sailing if there is no load on them. So lose that the sway with the wind.  Is this normal? If not does anyone know how much lbs of tension should be on my rigging? How can I adjust this myself? This is important because I can't afford to have a proffessional rigger perform this and as a new sailor caution is my life.ThanksChris Taylor

 

[John Lucy]

rigging adjustment

If you contact Catalina or a dealer you can get some help. Otherwise just do it yourself. Shrouds should be snug as should back stay and forestay. Then sail your boat. It has gotten loose due to stretch. Your initial adjustment should have the mast straight up. You will probably need to rake it back with a lose forestay and tighter backs stay to take out the Too Much weather help. My adjustment lasts a couple of years and then I need to tinker.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Tuning your rig

The most important thing to keep in mind when tuning a C30s rig is keeping the mast in column (straight up & down & side to side). Looser tension gives the boat better performance in light air but makes the boat suffer in heavier air & can be downright dangerous if too loose. The reverse is also true.You should check out Brion Toss "The Complete Rigger's Handbook". It should teach you all you need to know plus some. Good luck!LaDonna