Headstay replacement

[Matt Taylor]

I have just purchased a 1973 very used Catalina 27. I think the hull # might be 342. The bow has some hurricane damage in that about 6-8" was crunched. The previous owner has made an attempt to repair the damage but the stem that the headstay used to attach to is gone. Does anyone have a resource for either ordering a headstay stem or having someone fabricate one. Noting the above mentioned damage, we are thinking about running a stainless strap down the bow about 8 inched & through bolted it for extra strengh. Any comments would be appreciated.thanksMatt Taylor

 

[Douglas Young]

Catalina Parts

Try contacting Catalina Direct a good source for parts. Take a look at the web site at the following addy. www.catalinadirect.com

 

[Tom M.]

where to start

The stem of the hull and the deck lid being crushed, i would not rely on the strength of the repaired stem, I agree with you, regarding a heavy duty chainplate or strap, or a long piece of stainless angle to fit along the original hull stem,"thru bolted" then have two straps in a "V" form to bolt on the deck and toping it with a triangular, piece to install/ weld at the intersection of the two deck straps, then on top of it a verticle, piece to mount your headstay, this weldement, will tie the orig. hull and deck giving adiquate strength to take the load the head sail will apply. this weldement can be accomplished a few ways, ib your area, see if there is any scrap, recycling places that sell stainless steel, the stem strap or angle s/b 18 to 24" long, and the same length for the deck straps, the small triangular piece 8" W x 10" L, getting the mat'l shouldn't be too hard all thicknesses to be 3/32" to 1/8" or heavier, then with 2 pieces of wood, w/ a 1/4" hole on one end each, bolted together, you can determine the proper angle of the stem to deck, to have the stainless pieces welded to slip on the bow stem. lots of luck.