Spreader bracket replacement

[Gary Burgess]

I am attempting to replace the spreader brackets on my Catalina 25 and have run into a problem. The through bolt on the lower part of the bracket has a compression tube around it inside the mast. I have removed the upper bracket bolts and the nut on the lower bolt which allows ONE bracket to come off the mast. The lower bolt now just rotates and cannot even be tapped out. Has anyone had experience in removing the bolt and the compression tube?

 

[Don]

Spreader Bracket Information

Gary,You should ask this question at the Sailor's Forum at the C25/250 National Association website. I'm sure you'll get all you questions answered there. Since this question pertains to a C25, be sure to ask under the Catalina 25 Specific Forum.Hope to see you there.Click on the link to take you to the Sailor's Forum.

 

[Mike]

Carefully

If I understand you correctly. you have one bolt remaining to hold the spreader brackets onto the mast. Did you already remove one of the bolts, and allow the compression tube to fall out of the mast? I hope not. Could you carefully hacksaw, or grind the nut off of the remaining bolt without damaging the mast? Then you could buy a drift pin punch that is slightly smaller in diameter than the bolt, and GENTLY drive the bolt back out of the mast. Once you get the bolt out, do not remove the drift pin so as to keep the compression tube in place. Buy new stainless steel bolts and locknuts, and reinstall the brackets by inserting the bolt as you withdraw the drift pin to keep the compresion tube in place. You may need to use another bolt or nail to keep the other tube in place when you do the replacement. Good Luck