Just bought an 1981 Catalina 22. The boat was used only for racing. The side stays are reinforced below using big angle metal with cables and turnbuckles attached to the wood bulkhead, both in the mid cabin area and in the V berth. If I take these metal apparati (?) out and replace them with the standard metal plates, will the side stays be study enough? Plan mostly to cruise. And stay out of really heavy wind!
Is sidestay reinforcement necessary?
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Sidestay reinforcement
I recommend keeping the reinforcements, but if your deck is in good shape, you should be fine removing the reinforcements. I installed sidestay reinforcements on my boat, and they are not in the way at all. They do help protect the deck from flexing in high winds. I fold and roll my dacron sails, for the most compact storage. Wadding them takes up more space, and they sails look like clothes needing a close encounter with an iron. I have a mylar 150, and it stays at home. I do roll it from the head and keep it in a bag. David
I recommend keeping the reinforcements, but if your deck is in good shape, you should be fine removing the reinforcements. I installed sidestay reinforcements on my boat, and they are not in the way at all. They do help protect the deck from flexing in high winds. I fold and roll my dacron sails, for the most compact storage. Wadding them takes up more space, and they sails look like clothes needing a close encounter with an iron. I have a mylar 150, and it stays at home. I do roll it from the head and keep it in a bag. David
Sail storage, sidestays reinforcement
David, When you say "keep it at home," you do take it out to use on light wind days don't you? And when you roll it, do you leave it in the long (10 foot version) or roll it again when it's a tube to make it more compact? Are your reinforced sidestays like the ones I described? (wire to wood bulkhead?) Thanks, Nancy
David, When you say "keep it at home," you do take it out to use on light wind days don't you? And when you roll it, do you leave it in the long (10 foot version) or roll it again when it's a tube to make it more compact? Are your reinforced sidestays like the ones I described? (wire to wood bulkhead?) Thanks, Nancy
Sails
Nancy, I guess that I wasn't clear: I have a whole set of dacron sails that I keep on the boat. I fold and roll them like new sails are shipped. My mylar sail is 10' long rolled, and I rarely use it unless I am racing. I keep it in a spare bedroom at the house. With all of my crusing/camping gear on board; there isn't any place to keep the mylar sail, without abusing it. Yes, my reinforcement stays are as you described. David
Nancy, I guess that I wasn't clear: I have a whole set of dacron sails that I keep on the boat. I fold and roll them like new sails are shipped. My mylar sail is 10' long rolled, and I rarely use it unless I am racing. I keep it in a spare bedroom at the house. With all of my crusing/camping gear on board; there isn't any place to keep the mylar sail, without abusing it. Yes, my reinforcement stays are as you described. David
Mylar vs. dacron
The boat I just bought has only the 150 Mylar for the light wind sail. I thought I was doing good. It turns out that for cruising I'd be better with a dacron sail, right? spacewise. What is better about the Mylar? Maybe I should try to sell it and buy the dacron, foldable sail. Nancy
The boat I just bought has only the 150 Mylar for the light wind sail. I thought I was doing good. It turns out that for cruising I'd be better with a dacron sail, right? spacewise. What is better about the Mylar? Maybe I should try to sell it and buy the dacron, foldable sail. Nancy
Mylar
You may consider selling or trading the mylar sail for a dacron. Mylar sails are not as durable as dacron...do not last as lon. Most of the racers use mylar because mylar holds its shape better for going fast. I wouldn't second guess your decision about your boat/sail. Most racers take good care of their equipment. You can use the mylar sail for several years. David
You may consider selling or trading the mylar sail for a dacron. Mylar sails are not as durable as dacron...do not last as lon. Most of the racers use mylar because mylar holds its shape better for going fast. I wouldn't second guess your decision about your boat/sail. Most racers take good care of their equipment. You can use the mylar sail for several years. David
D
Dave
Reinforcements
Racers are known to make their rigs (shroud tension) very tight. I'm sure that's the reason for the reinforcement. For daysailing you don't need to tighten things nearly as much. On the other hand, it's possible there are some structural issues with the boat in that area. Why don't you try contacting the previous owner and inquire about it?
Racers are known to make their rigs (shroud tension) very tight. I'm sure that's the reason for the reinforcement. For daysailing you don't need to tighten things nearly as much. On the other hand, it's possible there are some structural issues with the boat in that area. Why don't you try contacting the previous owner and inquire about it?
previous owner's answer
I have and he says putting the original reinforcement plates back "should be fine." But I find I can't take off something that might make the boat more safe. So I'm unhooking the cable when we sit at the table so the back cushion will fit. I'll get a friend to cut off the sharp corners of the brackets, pad them and go on. Thanks for helping me understand/appreciate them. Nancy
I have and he says putting the original reinforcement plates back "should be fine." But I find I can't take off something that might make the boat more safe. So I'm unhooking the cable when we sit at the table so the back cushion will fit. I'll get a friend to cut off the sharp corners of the brackets, pad them and go on. Thanks for helping me understand/appreciate them. Nancy
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