Question on genoa lead tracks

[Mike]

I have a '75 C22. The original jib lead tracks are located on the top edge of the molded in toe rail, and are only about two feet long, without any blocks. There is a set of longer genoa lead tracks inside of the lifeline stanchions. They have the blocks, but the stanchions interfere with moving the blocks forward when the genoa is reefed on the furler. I was wondering if I could remove the longer track from inboard of the stanchions, and fill the holes there. Then I could remove the smaller track from outside of the stanchions, and re-install the longer track there. I have the ability and knowledge to do that, and my question is this .................. There is a curve on the toe rail of the boat deck, and my genoa tracks are aluminum. Could I curve the track to match the contour of the boat deck? This would give me a greater range of positions for my genoa lead blocks, and more foot room when walking forward on the boat. Does anyone have any experience, or advice, on bending the tracks.

 

[Ken Palmer]

tracks

If I was guessing I'd say someone has already switched your tracks. That said there very easy to bend into place and will straighten back out when removed. Ken

 

[joe]

don't move the tracks

... you can ADD a longer genoa track and car to the toe rail. It's very nice to have an inside and outside track. You might have to re-lead the sheets inside the shrouds when moving the cars way forward on the inside track. Tie the clew off with a second line while you run the sheet. Or re locate the lazy sheet then tack the boat.

 

[Bayard Gross]

Move the inboard tracks

I have a furler, stanchions, and inboard tracks, as you mention, on my Catalina 22.I installed the inboard tracks myself, so I am familiar with your issues.Before I start, I must assume your stanchions are positioned similar to mine, that is just inside of the molded toe rail and at about where the cabin bulkhead starts.I am not sure how your inboard tracks are positioned, as this is an owner installed option and determined by the particular whims of the owner.Nevertheless, I think a good position for the inboard tracks is on the deck just outboard of the cockpit coaming. Ideally, the tracks should actually have their forward ends more outboard than the aft ends. For you, I get the impression your inboard tracks may be positioned in this fashion and thereby the cars incur interference with the stanchions.As inboard tracks assist in pointing ability, I think it is best you retain these tracks and reposition them to permit greater room between the forward end of the tracks and the stanchions.Whether you should move the entire track or leave several of the aft screws attached and bend the forward part of the track, I must leave to your discretion as I do not know how your tracks are attached.Further, when you drill new holes you may possibly damage the wires for the starboard interior cabin light and potentially the stern light as they invisibly run between the liner and the deck.When I installed my tracks, I was aware the forward ends needed to be more outboard than the aft ends. However, with stanchions like yourself, and issues about where my feet would land on the deck, I ended up with the forward ends much more inboard than ideal. Catalina Direct mentioned that someone actually curved their inboard tracks outward. Note, this is the “obsolete” old aluminum 15/16 inch track that I have and I assume you have as well. I mounted the inboard tracks to negligibly angle outward from aft to forward, in essence practically following the cockpit cowling and the bottom of the cabin roof.I have left the original outboard tracks right in place as I may use them when running. I do not have end caps on my tracks, I just move the car forward on the inboard track, up and over the life line and stanchion, and then remount the car onto the outboard track at its forward end. Fortunately, the starboard interior light wires and stern light wires were unaffected by my surgery.

 

[Mike1956]

I have half tracks

The fellow in the slip next to mine just put his C22 in the water. His is just about a year or two newer. I was examining his boat. It only has the factory installed tracks, and they're on the toe rail. His are twice as long as mine. Either Catalina put different sized tracks on different boats, or, a previous owner must have cut my tracks down in length. I can pull my 150 genny tight against the lifelines with the inboard tracks I have now. Shouldn't I still be able to do it with the tracks on the toe rail, since it's only about 4 inches difference to the outboard?