Cruising Spinnaker

[GreenLight]

I have a '92 Catalina 30 wing keel, tall rig/ bowsprit model. One of my neighbors just gave me a cruising spinnaker. (Well, in exchange for a bottle of vodka)
My boat is, as far as I can tell just as it came from the factory with a
roller furling and what looks like a 3/8 inch "spare halyard" or "second job halyard" (which looks like what my manual calls it) So do I need any changes in my masthead configuration or does anyone have any other suggestions? I haven't delivered the booze yet.
Another look at my manual shows a diagram of a Spinnaker halyard block forward of the jib halyard but I don't see it either on my boat or in the parts list.
Once again any suggestions about using this cruising spinnaker.

 

[Bad Obsession]

The block would go on the part of the masthead above where the forestay attaches. It looks like a U.

One of the guys at my marina had a spinnaker halyard and it was external (Hull #5808).

I don't have one rigged but check the net for pictures. You will probably find them.

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

For what you paid for the sail...Congrat's. You can use the spare jib halyard the ONLY draw back is that you won't be able to jibe the sail as you could with the block near the truck of the mast. If you don't have a sock for it get one soon. It will increase you pleasure using that sail.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You might want to check the Harken website for spinnaker rigging suggestions.

 

[rbmcintire]

Catalina Direct has a masthead spinnaker crane that fits perfectly.
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1136&ParentCat=131
I had the mast down this past winter, and added it, a block and an external halyard while I had the chance. Still need the spinnaker though! Does the guy have another 'chute and need more booze? As I understand it, the crane lets it rotate on the jibe and positions it outward, farther away from the masthead, with lesser chance of entangling wind sensor, antennas, other halyards, etc. Is it better to sock it up before each jibe?

 

[GreenLight]

Thanks everyone, you've all been very helpful. Looks like I'll' have the masthead fitting and block installed over the winter.

Thanks again.

 

[jrowan]

You didn't mention if it was an asymmetrical type spinnaker or a traditional full type. The traditional spinnaker needs a spinnnaker pole to keep it outboard & from fouling. the asymmetrical can be run without a pole, but does not work dead downwind. The spin pole will also need a vertical track installed on the front side of the mast to attach the pole & allow it to adjust to keep it mounted horizontally. A dousing chute is a good investement to help avoid fouling the sail when launching & dousing. The flimsy Nylon fabric tears easily!