Hoping for help with my stanchion placement on a 27 Catalina.
Before I purchased the vessel, the stanchions were removed and re-installed. They appear to be in the wrong places because of how they lean- -inward and outward. None of them are bent, so I think that the re-install put them in the wrong locations.
Is there a place where I can find the proper stanchion placement and location of any angled stanchions?
I sure do appreciate any help someone might offer.
Randy
Randy, there are three sets of stanchions on the 27. There will probably be markings in the deck where the previous sets were.... if not look inside at the edge of the liner and you'll see small indentations that allow access to the backing plates and nuts for the bases, which will indicate the proper location. You should be able to walk around just about any marina and find a catalina 27 to compare with....if you can't by simply looking at photos. You could also call catalina yachts customer service for their advice.... However, it is unlikely that a previous owner "relocated" the stanchions.... it wouldn't make sense...
I will tell you that on the older boats, like mine, the stanchions don't stand perfectly vertical.... often the aftermost one gets bent in by improper sheet location.... but.. if you desire them all to be perfectly vertical... I suggest you get a level and a protractor.. then measure the vertical angles for each set.
Once you've taken your measurements you can decide which need replacing... for instance you may find the middle one will fit perfectly up front...etc. If not... you can purchase new stanchions from Catalina Yachts parts department direct.... or do like many of us here on the forum and order new stanchions from
www.garhauermarine.com..... and stipulate the angle you desire. My recollection is Catalina offers them in 7 deg and 11 deg angles. Garhauer will make then to whatever angle you specify.
The major choice is whether to go with the existing single line... or convert all of them over to double line. If you're on a budget... stay with the single line since you may not have to replace all six stanchions.
Also, I would stay with the one piece stanchion and base, rather than separate base and pole.... mainly because that's probably what you have aleady.
When you install new stanchions... I suggest you google for instructions or go to the owner's website
www.catalina27.org and you may find a project page that will give detailed instruction on the matter.
Finally.... whatever you decide to do.... don't use led lights for you lifelines. The popular trend now is to replace the vinyl coated wire with bare wire.... or some owners have been replacing the wire with hi-tech single braid line such as Samson Amsteel.... it's actually stronger than wire, easier on the sails and looks good too.
