replacing cdi halyard

[kjdoyle1]

Ok, thanks so much! May I ask, what do you mean by, "you still need to decore it for the required length"?

Basically, we are new owners of a Catalina 25. The genoa needed repair so we took it down and had it repaired. When we put it back up, we thought we would be "smart" and use the regular jib halyard. Only once it was all back up did we realize the regular jib halyard won't work because it twists at the top. So we realized we need to use the internal halyard. But it's too short so we need to replace.

Now we are trying to make sure all our ducks are in a row for when we drop the mast again to replace it.

I guess my biggest confusion is this: if the halyard is only like 36' (which seems to be the CDI replacement), how do you have enough line to raise the genoa? Doesn't there need to be enough line to go all the way up the mast and back down?

So thankful for all the help!

 

[Justin_NSA]

You have it. The CDI line is decored to slide in the foil groove. It does come too short. Whenever you want to drop the jib you have to tie a line to the halyard to be able to pull it back down when you raise the sail again. I think they didn't want the return length to get fouled in the furled sail. I'd get the OEM line anyway.

 

[kjdoyle1]

Ok, it's all making sense now. Thanks!!!

 

[Justin_NSA]

All in all, the CDI does the job. I installed one on my MacGregor 26S and used it for years.

 

[DrJudyB]

Now we are trying to make sure all our ducks are in a row for when we drop the mast again to replace it.

I guess my biggest confusion is this: if the halyard is only like 36' (which seems to be the CDI replacement), how do you have enough line to raise the genoa? Doesn't there need to be enough line to go all the way up the mast and back down?

So thankful for all the help!

tie a 36’ length of light line to the bitter end of the internal halyard before you lower the Genoa. Now you have the functional equivalent of a normal length halyard. The owner’s manual calls this temporary line a “messenger line”.

After you raise the Genoa, you detach the extra length of line. Always keep the extra length of line on board in a locker for immediate use.

And, you don’t need to drop the mast to install the CDI furler. the owners manual shows how to install a CDI without dropping the mast. I’ve done installed them a few times on medium to big boats while they were in their slips. Just take extra care to not drop parts overboard!

The usual precautions apply: Make sure the spinnaker or Genoa halyard you use to hold the mast up temporarily is in good condition and tie good knots instead of depending on a snap shackle

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57a94d9febbd1a5a5122da58/t/57ed7dee20099e2216c5da77/1475182067845/FF4%266+manual.pdf

JudyB
Distributor for CDI

 

[Serenity on Hudson]

My internal halyard ended up at the top of the furler. No Jib for me. Forced me to try the asym spinnaker. Today in very light winds (2-3 mph) I got 2.3 knts. I solo sail so never had the nerve to use the spinnaker. Not so difficult if you plan everything, including tangled sock lift lines, carefully. Raised the sock but gathered the bottom and lashed it to the mast with a bungee. When I got to a point, very slowly, where I could run a broad reach, just let go the bungee, pull the tack line to the bow, and raise the sock. Biggest problem is I couldn't see the top of the spinnaker to see if the sock was fully up. Had to go forward of the mast to see and get a better angle with the lifting lines. If I keep doing this until fall when I pull the boat, I am sure I will discover easier ways to use the spinnaker. Or hook up the auto pilot so I don't have to rush everything with the tiller locked.