CAT 30 running Lines Aft.

[Jerry Magnuson]

As a result of all the great responses from Cat. owners that we received to our article on "That boat won't point", it appears we have just purchased a 1979 Catalina 30. I would like to run the main and jib halyard lines aft to the cockpit. Can anyone give me info. on if they moved the lines into the mast and where they installed the hardware on the cabin top ?Thank you for all the help ! Jerry & JanetS/V Defiance

 

[Jeff Walker]

I like them where they are

Hi Jerry - congratulations,I'll probably be with the minority of owners on this question but I find I can raise the main or jib very quickly standing at the mast. There are no turns or added friction in the halyards and if the guides get stuck, I can immediately work them loose. In lowering the main or jib, a quick yank brings it down quickly. I can see the safety issue but in many boats I've been on with lines run aft, you often have to go forward to clear reef lines or lazy jack lines. P.S. If you do it I think it's pretty straight forward with a few cam cleats and blocks added.Jeff

 

[Mike I,]

New Catalina

As a new owner I would suggest you join the C-30 owners e-mail list sponsered by Sailnet (www.sailnet.net and go to "Join E-mail lists"). Then you could join the International Catalina 30 Owners Assn. (www.catalina30.com) and find volumes of information on your new boat, including several articles about running rigging aft and the hardware used. Great place for any Catalina 30 owner.

 

[Steve Franklin]

Lines aft and other improvements

CONGRATULATIONS!!You really should pick up a copy of Dick Dickens' Tech Talk Manual for the C30. It has a wealth of info on the care and feeding of C30s as well as countless ideas for improvements. It is an indispensable resource. You may also want to join the Intl C30 Assoc., if for no other reason than to receive Dick's latest articles that are sent out in the "Mainsheet" newsletter/magazine. I think you can order Dick's manual thru the assoc. Check out their website at www.catalina30.com. Enjoy!

 

[Bob Camarena]

Don't skimp on hardware

It's not a difficult job, but don't skimp on hardware. Make sure you buy properly sized ball-bearing turning blocks. You're adding quite a bit of friction to your halyards at best. Jeff makes some good points, so I wouldn't rush into it if I were you. Live with it as-is for a while and maybe try raising the sails on a similar boat with halyards led aft, and then make up your mind. With lines led aft, it's definitely more work.