Catalina 25 stanchion

[Ted Thompson]

I have a 1986 Catalina 25 with a bent stanchion at the cabin entrance. It is bent at the base only, not along the 1 inch tube. Catalina Direct sells new stanchions; however, their stanchions have a slightly different 4 hole pattern (+/- 1/8") which Catalina went to in 1990. To use the new stanchions you have to fill the holes and drill new ones. Unfortunately this means cutting the a lip underneath the stanchion inside the cabin and making a flat surface to accept the new stanchion base - a great deal of work.

Has anyone done the new stanchion replacement, able to say where I could buy an older pre 1990 stanshion, or recommend how to straighten the stanchion base?

 

[Stu Jackson]

You could try to bend it back, but most folks suggest it is not a good idea, but you could try it anyway.

Have you tried Catalina Yachts or Garhauer?

 

[Guakalillo]

You could weld the new stanchion onto the old base if it is not bent.

 

[jrowan]

I also have a slightly bent stanchion post at the opening gate, from a P.O. docking mishap. I've been thinking of repairing it with either pressure from a reverse angle of a winch or tackle block, or heating it with my welding torch just enough to allow some flex to correct the flaw. Either way we risk loosing some structural strength at the stanchion base. Given the age of my lifelines, I doubt that they would really take the full force of an adult male falling with all their weight against them. But its better then nothing at all. I look at those ads from "Alerion Express" who think its classy to remove all the lifelines & stanchions. That bad design should be illegal. That sailor/ owner won't look as cool when he falls overboard & drowns!

 

[Alansails]

I did the same thing last spring and asked a worker at the Marina-who offered to bend it back-do so. I than found Catalina Direct sells them for a lot less than I expected. Bought it ..installed it..