I have wondered why the catalina 27 has a mast the size of a telephone pole and such small diameter shrouds .... has anyone gone up a size , say .to 1/4 inch or even larger and if so what did you use for a loose setting .I want to go up but if I use the same percentage of breaking strength the poundage on the heavier wires may be too much for the deck and chain plates Thoughts ??Thanks Paul
- Status
rig tuning
Hi Paul - Typically you should tune the rig to 10-15% breaking strength. The Loos Gauge is a good measure of tension; the most important aspect is getting the mast in column. The first question I might ask is why do you feel you need to upsize the size of the shrouds? As you eluded to, typically bulkheads and chainplates would be considered weaker points if you are interesting in reinforcing the rig. That being said, I see no reason why you couldn't upsize the shroud size. I'm curious to know what your plans are with the boat... Best, Trevor
Hi Paul - Typically you should tune the rig to 10-15% breaking strength. The Loos Gauge is a good measure of tension; the most important aspect is getting the mast in column. The first question I might ask is why do you feel you need to upsize the size of the shrouds? As you eluded to, typically bulkheads and chainplates would be considered weaker points if you are interesting in reinforcing the rig. That being said, I see no reason why you couldn't upsize the shroud size. I'm curious to know what your plans are with the boat... Best, Trevor
C27 reinforcement
Upsizing the rigging one size shouldn't be a problem. Reinforcing the chainplates is a common upgrade on Cat 27. There's a kit available from Catalina Direct for the lowers. For the cap shrouds I have seen owners tab chainplate extensions into the hull or lower fiberglass bulkhead. If you're interested in modifying the C27 for heavier weather or passagemaking read John Vigor's "Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere."
Upsizing the rigging one size shouldn't be a problem. Reinforcing the chainplates is a common upgrade on Cat 27. There's a kit available from Catalina Direct for the lowers. For the cap shrouds I have seen owners tab chainplate extensions into the hull or lower fiberglass bulkhead. If you're interested in modifying the C27 for heavier weather or passagemaking read John Vigor's "Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere."
Shroud sizes
The shrouds are spec'ed based on the expected loads on the rigging for the boat and sail size, and are overbilt, so there is really no need for larger wire. That said, the only downside to going up a size are cost and extra weight aloft. The standard wire size on the uppers and stays is 3/16" and the lowers 5/32". A pain because you need to have 2 Loos gauges, as they change the size of the Loos gauge needed you use when you shift from 5/32" to 3/16". When I re-rigged, I made everything 3/16", which was easy, and only cost about $35 more, as I recall. All the turnbuckles are 3/8", which is the standard size for a 3/16" wire, so you can use the same turnbuckle bodies and fittings at the chainplate end. Now I only need one Loos gauge, and carry only one length of 3/16" wire aboard as a spare, rather than both 3/16" and 5/32".
The shrouds are spec'ed based on the expected loads on the rigging for the boat and sail size, and are overbilt, so there is really no need for larger wire. That said, the only downside to going up a size are cost and extra weight aloft. The standard wire size on the uppers and stays is 3/16" and the lowers 5/32". A pain because you need to have 2 Loos gauges, as they change the size of the Loos gauge needed you use when you shift from 5/32" to 3/16". When I re-rigged, I made everything 3/16", which was easy, and only cost about $35 more, as I recall. All the turnbuckles are 3/8", which is the standard size for a 3/16" wire, so you can use the same turnbuckle bodies and fittings at the chainplate end. Now I only need one Loos gauge, and carry only one length of 3/16" wire aboard as a spare, rather than both 3/16" and 5/32".
- Status