While making a through inspection of all rigging and structural integrity on my "new" old Cat 27, I've noted a softening of the upper bulkhead on the port, top shroud chain plate. It hasn't started keyholing yet, but soon....The shroud itself is tight, with no slack, and the mast seems to be straight, but I don't want the mast crashing down on my head first time out! Can this be a DIY repair or should I hire out for this job? If I must hire a craftsman to complete the job, should I have both sides done at the same time? If I prop the mast on the port side with 12' 2X4's can the job be done without lowering the stick? Any advice is appreciated....Thanks in advance...
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Partial answer.
I'm not familiar with the chainplate arrangment on the Cat 27, so I can't advise you on the repair. I can warn you against the 2 by 4 idea...not a safe plan. You can leave the stick up though. Just take two halyards and secure them to the side you are working on, winch them tight until you get a little slack on the shrouds. On my old Cal 27, I had no toe rail and no genoa track that far forward, but I did have ample backing plates on the stanchions and used them as anchoring points.
I'm not familiar with the chainplate arrangment on the Cat 27, so I can't advise you on the repair. I can warn you against the 2 by 4 idea...not a safe plan. You can leave the stick up though. Just take two halyards and secure them to the side you are working on, winch them tight until you get a little slack on the shrouds. On my old Cal 27, I had no toe rail and no genoa track that far forward, but I did have ample backing plates on the stanchions and used them as anchoring points.
Eric, get a copy of this months Cruising World
It has a story that deals with chainplate problems. Don't know if its on the news stands yet.
It has a story that deals with chainplate problems. Don't know if its on the news stands yet.
bulkheads
Just remove one bulkhead at a time and use it as a template for the new one which should be 1/2 - preferably marine ply. Seal the end of the ply with epoxy. You don't need to take the mast down. I changed my two main bulkeads - I could have done both in the same afternoon, but was tired because I was worrying about it too much. Peter
Just remove one bulkhead at a time and use it as a template for the new one which should be 1/2 - preferably marine ply. Seal the end of the ply with epoxy. You don't need to take the mast down. I changed my two main bulkeads - I could have done both in the same afternoon, but was tired because I was worrying about it too much. Peter
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