I have a 1987 cat 22. I am not sure of the correct boom height. My boom is as low as possible on the mast, but it still "slopes" downward toward the aft. I want to add a bimini and see other catalina 22 with a boom that is much higher. I believe that if I raise my boom the mainsail will not raise to it's full height. Also, I do not have a top lift, just the factory installed cable. I am considering a boomkicker. Any suggestions?
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Check the sail.
The main sail, when raised should hold the boom at the proper height. It should be fairly level, as well. If not, then I would check 2 things. 1) sail not raised all the way. 2) not the correct sail. (too big) There is not much else that can go wrong. Regards, Ted
The main sail, when raised should hold the boom at the proper height. It should be fairly level, as well. If not, then I would check 2 things. 1) sail not raised all the way. 2) not the correct sail. (too big) There is not much else that can go wrong. Regards, Ted
My Boom
My boom rests on a cleat that is in the mast track. There is a line that wraps around the clean and through an eye on the boom that holds it in place When I raise the mainsailit stops when the leech is pulled tight which is usuall about two inches from the top of the mast. The boom still stays on the same diagional line due to the mainsheet tension. As for the sail, it has the catalina 22 emblem, so I assume it is a catalina 22 sail. Really my question is about the boom height when the sais are not raised. I want to order a bimini, but feel there is not enough room to deploy the bimini when the boom is in the way. Other catalina's that I look at have the boom farther up than mina an sufficient room for the bimini.
My boom rests on a cleat that is in the mast track. There is a line that wraps around the clean and through an eye on the boom that holds it in place When I raise the mainsailit stops when the leech is pulled tight which is usuall about two inches from the top of the mast. The boom still stays on the same diagional line due to the mainsheet tension. As for the sail, it has the catalina 22 emblem, so I assume it is a catalina 22 sail. Really my question is about the boom height when the sais are not raised. I want to order a bimini, but feel there is not enough room to deploy the bimini when the boom is in the way. Other catalina's that I look at have the boom farther up than mina an sufficient room for the bimini.
Let us use the Catalina 22 National Sailing Association requirement for boom height For pre ‘85 boats that have the longer mast, about twenty-five feet, this is three feet six inches from the mast step to the top edge of the boom for pre ‘85 boats. For post ‘85 boats with the shorter mast, about twenty-four feet nine inches, this is three feet three inches from the mast step to the top edge of the boom for post ‘85 boats. As you indicate you have a ‘87 boat, I will assume three feet three inches for your measurement. However, if at this position the luff of the main completely fills the space from the tack to the mast truck and the luff is not tight at full hoist, then use the three feet six inch measurement. Either of these measurements is ideal for the boom vang and mainsheet. In both cases, one achieves an effective angle that lets both the vang and mainsheet function properly. Note one measures from the mast step to the top edge of the boom. The National Association permits up to one inch of materiel positioned between the mast step and the deck. The rational here I believe permits strengthening of the deck below the mast step, necessary as there are many variances in how Catalina built these boats.
A static (non adjustable) topping lift
is a must have if you don't have a rigid vang or an adjustable topping lift. Just make sure that it is slack on all points of sailing.
is a must have if you don't have a rigid vang or an adjustable topping lift. Just make sure that it is slack on all points of sailing.
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