Catalina 34

Stu Jackson · Jun 10, 2020

Are you aware of this resourse?

Catalina 34 International Association website, their forum:

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DougM · Jun 11, 2020

It could be partly hull shape from sitting in the cradle, which would change after the boat is in the water.
Another possibility is that the starboard shrouds are tighter than port causing the mast to be cocked to starboard.
Also the forestay could be too tight if it has any adjustment. Another thought is that at least one shackle could be missing at an attachment point, or that the backstay on the port side could have some twists that have yet to unwind.
I had a similar issue with new rigging, also split backstay. I added a shackle on each side and got the backstays attached with the turnbuckles turned open as far as I considered safe. After a few sailings, I was able to re-tension the stays, and probably could have removed the extra shackle.
Its always a fun time when you are stepping the mast, taking up additional crane time, while looking for that elusive missing piece of hardware somewhere in the bottom of the toolbox.

dlochner · Jun 11, 2020

Boat shape will change when out of the water, but it is usually by fractions of an inch, 4 inches seems quite high.

Take a look at the rig, is the mast straight? is the forestay too tight? is the mast centered? If the mast is keel stepped the blocking in the mast step or at the partners may be incorrect.

Head Sail · Jun 13, 2020

Teas04 said:
Bought boat in Rochester NY had shipped to PortColborne in October put on cradle with mast down put mast back up in June boat on cradle split backstay on port side is about 4 in short could this be hull shape with boat not being in water has anyone had this problem or any solutions
Thanks Bob

Sounds like the mast didn't go up the same as before it came down. Did you adjust other shrouds? Maybe it wasn't correct to begin with. Maybe have a rigger check it out.

sailme88 · Jun 13, 2020

Release the stay that is attached. Place the stays together to insure they are equalled. If Not Adust. I step and unstep out mast every year. During that time the rig, as all do relaxes. This is why the shrouds that were released last season don't appear to want to make their pin in the spring. The backstay is no different, but you may note a lot less turnbuckle to work with. I can always make one backstay pin by hand... to get the other, I add rake to the mast with a spare boom vang. Using a carabiner thru the turnbuckle I attach the Vang's fiddle block. Another "Biner" captures the cleat near the stay that needs pinning. Haul the vang to the desired amount and make that pin. easy-peesy