Dear Catalina Owner, I have just purchased a 1994 Capri 26 - a beautiful boat. Can anyone help me though with a problem? The turnbuckles on many of the Catalinas I have seen over here have cylindrical stainless steel protective/cosmetic covers. On mine they seem to be seized so that I am unable to adjust the standing rigging for tuning. Is there a trick to getting these off so that they 'ride up' the rigging wire to reveal the actual turnbuckle? At the moment they don't want to move at all. Hoping to hear from you, Tony Musker Portsmouth England
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turnbuckles
This happens to a lot of these turnbuckles. I would recommend that you just replace it/them with the open body turnbuckles. Nevertheless, if you're in a relatively dry area, spray some penetrating fluid on, wrap with a cloth (use some tape if necessary) and soak the cloth with the penetrating fluid. Leave it on for several days. You might have to protect your deck if you've got lots of fluid dripping, messier in wet climates. But the cloth helps to keep the turnbuckle soaking, and this should help it to release. Peter
This happens to a lot of these turnbuckles. I would recommend that you just replace it/them with the open body turnbuckles. Nevertheless, if you're in a relatively dry area, spray some penetrating fluid on, wrap with a cloth (use some tape if necessary) and soak the cloth with the penetrating fluid. Leave it on for several days. You might have to protect your deck if you've got lots of fluid dripping, messier in wet climates. But the cloth helps to keep the turnbuckle soaking, and this should help it to release. Peter
Turnbuckles
The advice in the preceding post is correct for freeing up turnbuckles. After they are freed up, I suggest a liberal application of waterproof white lithium grease which is available in a spray can. I spray this stuff on anything that has threads. To have an engine bolt that was "treated" a few years ago just slip out with one hand on the wrench is a great feeling. Of course, split ring washers should be used since there won't be any rust or corrosion to keep the part from vibrating loose.
The advice in the preceding post is correct for freeing up turnbuckles. After they are freed up, I suggest a liberal application of waterproof white lithium grease which is available in a spray can. I spray this stuff on anything that has threads. To have an engine bolt that was "treated" a few years ago just slip out with one hand on the wrench is a great feeling. Of course, split ring washers should be used since there won't be any rust or corrosion to keep the part from vibrating loose.
Freeing covers
I'm not sure if you're talking about the same type used on our C310. Ours are stainless tubes with black plastic plugs on top and bottom, with about half an inch of the plug protruding. These plugs are just a friction fit over the turnbucle threads. Sometimes they are a little difficut to slide. I just pull up on the stainless tube, which pushes the top plug up with it, exposing the open turnbuckle. You may need to use a little more force to get the plug moving, or try rotating it with an upward force. The bottom plug will not be able to move up once it has contacted the turnbuckle body, so don't try to move it. Good luck
I'm not sure if you're talking about the same type used on our C310. Ours are stainless tubes with black plastic plugs on top and bottom, with about half an inch of the plug protruding. These plugs are just a friction fit over the turnbucle threads. Sometimes they are a little difficut to slide. I just pull up on the stainless tube, which pushes the top plug up with it, exposing the open turnbuckle. You may need to use a little more force to get the plug moving, or try rotating it with an upward force. The bottom plug will not be able to move up once it has contacted the turnbuckle body, so don't try to move it. Good luck
hot soapy water
i use hot soapy water on a lot of things that stick on a boat. when racing, i use a spray bottle with soapy water to lubricate blocks, clutches, furling gear, and centerboards and flip up rudders. it might work on your turnbuckle covers. rt
i use hot soapy water on a lot of things that stick on a boat. when racing, i use a spray bottle with soapy water to lubricate blocks, clutches, furling gear, and centerboards and flip up rudders. it might work on your turnbuckle covers. rt
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