Catalina 30 Mast Rake

[Gordon Groves]

I recently purchased a 1976 Cat 30 that had been dismasted in a drawbridge accident. When the rigger stepped my new mast, he raked it forward about 4 inches, and he said this was normal for a Cat 30. I have been sailing for some 50 years, and I find this hard to believe. I would appreciate any comments.

 

[John]

mast rake

Check the archives. From what I've read it seems that cat 30's (I have an 83 tall rig) should be straight.

 

[Trevor]

Telephone poles

Hi Gordon -Most Catalinas (at least the earlier models with single spreader masts) have very thick masts that don't have much flexibility to them. The mast should be straight, with maybe a VERY slight rake aft. I agree setting up the mast with a rake forward is unusual and I'd question the rigger about his reasoning. You ought to be able to get the mast in column by loosening the forestay &/or tightening the backstay.Best,Trevor

 

[Ed]

Go aft

Having recently been dealing with compression on the deck to a rotten compression block on the keel, I have also been examining the impact on the deck.There is more support by the compression post towards the back of the mast step. You can see this if you line up the windows with the compression post on the inside.I would be concerned if the mast was raked forward because under load, there would be unneeded pressure to the deck and a poor transference of load to load bearing areas.Ed

 

[John]

Weather helm

It might be to help fight the excessive weather helm Catalina have when the wind picks up. I'd do some more checking, Good luck!

 

[Wendell]

Straight mast - no hands

The mast on our Cat 30 (79) is straight. She sails "no hands" needed with the genoa in 10 kts of wind.