Sail rigging, lites, and leaks

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A

Alan

I'm at the end of refurbishing my 1970 Catalina 22 for this year and I have a few questions before the final launch of the boat (hopefully). I've done considerable research and purchased a lot of parts but finally the task of sail rigging has come to hand. I have an mainsail outhaul, main sail and gib down haul, mainsail single-hand reefing line, etc. Basically I've purchased all the single-handed upgrades needed with a few exceptions. 1) I've noticed there's no boom vang. 2) There's an outlet for the mast lite although no wiring or lite is present. All the deck lites work and I've upgraded the main terminal with new wires/switches. 3) I still have a very small trickle leak around the swing keel's pivot area although I can't find the source anywhere. We're almost certain it's from outside although the leak is fairly neglegible for day/weekend sailing. Now the questions: 1. I'm assuming a boom vang is a must but no hardware was included when I purchase the boat although there is a cleat beneath the boom. Upgrade or just use the cleat to keep the boom down? 2. Refurbish the mast lites with newer lites/wiring, I know. Experienced recommendations are needed here since I know little about this subject. 3. Should I assume the leak at the pivot area is from outside since the inside's been repaired and no leak is seen. Ignore the leak 'til drydock time and then drop the keel for repair?
 
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john renfro

boat

hello allen, the boom vang is not a necessary item, you won't notice it unless you are a die hard racer. get one when you can but it will sail fine without it.for electrical, get a copy of WEST MARINE'S catalog, a lot of information and it is free. john
 
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David Bergevin

leak

Check the keel lock down bolt under the port settee area. The bolt itself will let water come through. Coat the bolt with axel grease from your trailer hubs. Messy but very effective. New Boom Vang fer sure. New mounting hardware too. The cleat is likely for the outhaul or reefing if it is the boom or if on the mast for the gooseneck downhaul/tie-off. Aqua Signal makes a great Mathead (steaming) deck light combo and also an anchor light for the top of the mast. Four wires are need for this project. If you are only doing the steaming masthead (mid mast) then two wires are needed. Good Luck.
 
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Dick of Sylvan

Mast Wiring

Alan: A couple of options for wiring the mast were published by Bob Endicott of "Tequilla Sunrise" of Fleet 77 of the Catalina Sailing Association, in an issue of "Main Brace" about 3 or 4 years ago. Perhaps someone you know has old copies of Main Brace, or perhaps it got added to the association's technical manual which is available on CD? If you have to pull new wires thru mast and don't have old wires to tie to, get a long real stiff wire or an electrical "fish". Pulling the wires and connecting up to the masthead light were the toughest part of the job when I did mine. Took a couple of hours of fishing. Also, wrapping the wires with nylon cable ties every 2 or 3 feet works well to keep the obnoxious slap noise from occurring while you try to sleep at night. Dick
 
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Alan

Thanks Dick

I appreciate your response. Since the season's almost over and it's getting close to 30-40 degree weather I'll probably do as you suggest. Thanks again.
 
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Alan

Thank you David

I'll coat that bolt on my next sail. Funny thing, the electrical connection on the deck only has two electrodes so I assume it'll need replacement as well for the mast lites. I'll check out Aqua Signal since I'm not too crazy about Catalina Direct's option on the lites.
 
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Alan

Thanks John

Thanks John. I'll be upgrading even further now that's it's getting close to dry dock time anyway so a few other items are in store I'm sure. Thanks again.
 
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Scott

Boom Vang

Alan: I would suggest a boom vang. Any time you are sailing off the wind, Broad reach to running, it is important to control the lift in the boom. Good for sail efficiency and safety. It also helps keep the rig from "pulsing" when the wind is variable in speed or the wave action is causing some rocking. A good Vang is about $100 and well worth it. Good Sailing
 
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