Raise the boom on a Catalina 30

[stevenhagberg]

"I'm confused, I don't understand why it has a bow sprit if it's a standard rig??"
The bowsprit was an option with either the standard mast or the tall mast. The "Standard Rig" usually didn't have a bowsprit, but you could order it. The jib's cut would be different of course than the jib cut for a standard rig with no bowsprit.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

My suggestion was to adjust the mast bracket for the gooseneck to the correct place and then tighten it down and leave it. Not suggesting it be adjusted for every outing.

His gooseneck is 31 inches above the cabin top. That sounds low to me. He says he has 25 inches of hoist available at the top of the mast when the main is fully up. I would say the boom gooseneck should be permanently raised the 18 inches he says would make him happy and then see what needs to be done to the leech, if anything.

just my 2 cents

My thoughts exactly ... I never intended to suggest that the boom should be adjustable. I was merely saying that it is, and it sure seems to be in the wrong place. I am also suggesting that the gate is intended to be closed when the boom is in the correct position. No need to remove the sail until the end of season. Then, simply drop the boom and off comes the sail!

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I have an ‘82 C-30 tall rig, which should be virtually identical to yours.
First, are you sure you have a standard rig? My owners manual says specifically that the bowsprit was not available with the standard mast. The length of the standard mast is 40‘, the TR is 42’. The p dimension of the mainsail is 35’ std., 37’ TR.
Second, your gooseneck is in the right place (+/- a couple of inches). I would hesitate to change the original design. I agree with #stevenhagberg that the problem you need to solve is the sail itself. Virtually any sailmaker will have access to plans for a C 30 mainsail. I don’t know why Catalina Direct would say they’re all custom. I ordered a main thru them (Ullman) without taking any measurements.
Third, yes the boom is low over the cockpit, but it doesn’t extend as far as the helm, so the skipper is safe. The risk would be to passengers forward of the helm during a jibe. In 9 years of ownership, I haven’t yet “boomed” anybody.

I agree, the part about being able to raise the head of the sail another 2' is what stood out to me. Either he's got the wrong sail, or, something else is messed up. What I don't comprehend is the description of the boom not clearing his head. The boom in the picture of @stevenhagberg 's boat looks like it will easily clear a 6 footer. I really don't recall ... @Ward H , do I have to duck on your boat?

 

[Davidasailor26]

I agree, the part about being able to raise the head of the sail another 2' is what stood out to me. Either he's got the wrong sail, or, something else is messed up. What I don't comprehend is the description of the boom not clearing his head. The boom in the picture of @stevenhagberg 's boat looks like it will easily clear a 6 footer. I really don't recall ... @Ward H , do I have to duck on your boat?

And with the 2’ extra at the top if he puts the boom horizontal there’s 1’ of slack in the leech. Something is askew. Maybe this used sail was somehow cut with a very short luff? Or the bolt rope has shrunk a whole lot?

Edit to add: @acudavid can we get a picture of the whole sail when it’s raised?

 

[Ward H]

@Scott T-Bird No, you don't need to duck under the boom on Sun Dog and neither do I (I'm 6'). I believe the boom is 6'3" off the deck when the boom is horizontal or just a degree or so under horizontal.
I agree with those who said the issue is most likely used sails from other boats. I'd take up @stevenhagberg s offer to have a look at it.
Despite what the PO did to the boat for racing, I'd believe you boom height being just under the slug mast gate is most likely correct. Set the boom to 90-91 degrees and see what the cockpit clearance is. Then have a sail recut to fit that rig.
All the C30's I see have dodgers that fit under the booms.

IMHO, Sure you can re rig the boat for whatever sail you have/want but if you want the good sailing characteristics of the C30, rig it for what it was designed for.

 

[stevenhagberg]

@acudavid
I measured my deck to boom yesterday. 40-1/2” from deck to center of boom. That’s almost 12 more than yours.

So I take back what I so confidently said. Maybe it’s not your sail. Our deck molds are different but I doubt if this measurement difference is due to that. Most of the significant changes are in the combing area I believe.

To me the key question now is: is your boom horizontal with the water when hoisted?

(By the way, Catalina Direct is starting their promotion for off-season sail sales today.)

Ullman sails from Newport Beach came up to measure my rig when I bought new sails for my MK I 3 years ago.
To really know what is going on, maybe you need to measure everything including mast height, to see if the bottom of the mast has been cut off. That is sometimes done if the bottom of the mast has corroded. Not uncommon on a boat your age. But almost a foot is a lot.

I should have measured cockpit sole to boom but I didn’t.
Let us know what happens.

 

[jssailem]

Steven, it is difficult to guess at these things. Even though they are the same design and sometimes even the same year manufactured, previous owners can and do make changes. Until you get on a boat and measure it is all pretty much a SWAG.

@acudavid I would be inclined to buy a 6 pack and invite Steven over to the boat for an afternoon of boat exploration and discussion.

I believe that sails are the primary power source on a sail boat. Makes sense that the boat should be measured so that the sails fit the boat. Cookie cutter sails mass produced will work a lot of times, but they are like Walmart suits. Not tailored to the boat. A loft that will come out and measure your boat is money well spent when you hoist the sail and feel the power it provides.

 

[Kingjim91]

@acudavid
I measured my deck to boom yesterday. 40-1/2” from deck to center of boom. That’s almost 12 more than yours.

View attachment 208684
So I take back what I so confidently said. Maybe it’s not your sail. Our deck molds are different but I doubt if this measurement difference is due to that. Most of the significant changes are in the combing area I believe.

To me the key question now is: is your boom horizontal with the water when hoisted?

(By the way, Catalina Direct is starting their promotion for off-season sail sales today.)

Ullman sails from Newport Beach came up to measure my rig when I bought new sails for my MK I 3 years ago.
To really know what is going on, maybe you need to measure everything including mast height, to see if the bottom of the mast has been cut off. That is sometimes done if the bottom of the mast has corroded. Not uncommon on a boat your age. But almost a foot is a lot.

I should have measured cockpit sole to boom but I didn’t.
Let us know what happens.

I checked my rig today at the boat.
My deck to top of gooseneck is 42”. Another 7” to the bottom of the slot.
The cockpit sole to bottom of the level boom is 65”.
I also have a screw and washer at the top of the slot to keep the.slugs from falling out.