Long story short. I snapped my 14.2 Capri mast yesterday (maiden voyage, but in my defense the wood below the step up plate was rotted). Anyway, I am having a hard time finding a replacement 1986 14.2 mast, but have found a 77' Catalina 22 mast. What are the chances of cutting the 22' down to fit? I'm pretty handy, so if it takes a bit of "figuring out" that's ok.
Swap a Catalina mast for a 14.2 Capri mast
- Thread starter drcubbin
- Start date
Yes, I just checked. The 22' mast weighs about 75lbs while the 14.2 weighs about 20-25lbs. Also, the mast length of the 22' is 25', while the mast length of the 14.2 is 22'. Here is my desperation talking... I am thinking I could take 3-5' off of the 22' mast (yes, make it a little shorter) thereby lowering the overall mass. Ok, as I write this it does sound a bit wacky, but if I could get a used 14.2 replacement that would solve all problems. Is it just me or must there be an old 14.2 out there that has a big hole in the hull, but a good mast, that someone just wants gone today?
Thank you for reminding me of the weight and capsizing - once was enough for me.
But there must be a solution somewhere.
Thank you for reminding me of the weight and capsizing - once was enough for me.
But there must be a solution somewhere.
Old masts are around. It is just a matter of time and effort to find one. You will probably find a boat in better shape someone wants gone looking for the mast.
My wife hates it when a car or a boat follows me home. A few days later she's not mad and I have another toy to play with. When I remind her I could be interested in airplanes or women she is not amused.
My wife hates it when a car or a boat follows me home. A few days later she's not mad and I have another toy to play with. When I remind her I could be interested in airplanes or women she is not amused.
So, the 14.2 mast weighs about 1 pound per foot and the 22 mast weighs about 3 pounds per foot. In order to match the weight and and maintain the boat's stability the larger mast would need to be cut down to about 7 feet.Yes, I just checked. The 22' mast weighs about 75lbs while the 14.2 weighs about 20-25lbs. Also, the mast length of the 22' is 25', while the mast length of the 14.2 is 22'. Here is my desperation talking... I am thinking I could take 3-5' off of the 22' mast (yes, make it a little shorter) thereby lowering the overall mass. Ok, as I write this it does sound a bit wacky, but if I could get a used 14.2 replacement that would solve all problems. Is it just me or must there be an old 14.2 out there that has a big hole in the hull, but a good mast, that someone just wants gone today?
Thank you for reminding me of the weight and capsizing - once was enough for me.
This is all about physics and levers. 1 pound at the end of a 22 foot mast develops a force of 22 foot-pounds. 3 pounds at the end of a 22 foot mast developed 66 foot pounds. That extra force needs to be countered by a broader beam, deeper keel, or increased ballast. This is the really simplified version and does not account for wind speed and sail area.
The bigger heavier mast won't work well and will make the boat more dangerous to sail as it will decrease stability and increase capsize risk.
If would be most concerned with the replacement mast's weight, diameter and flexibility. The Cat 22, as well as the 25, 27, 30 were masthead rigged. The spar was very stiff, fore and aft lowers, litterally no prebend. The boats in this class are heavier and do not plane.
The Capri 14.2, however, is a fractional rig with swept back spreaders, no backstay (that I'm aware of). It is a dinghy by nature. Not sure if it will plane, or allow trapezing... it looks more like a lido 14 or holder 14, which are heavier, centerboard type dinghies like your Capri.
So.... I suggest you NOT limit your search to a Catalina vessel, but to any daysailor/dinghy similar is style and weight to your Capri. Check with sailboatdata.com to get your comparable info. There are many boats that fit this category, I'm sure you will find something. All you really need is the replacement mast to have the same mainsail attachment system. Sliders or bolt rope. A bolt rope system will be part of the extrusion. A slider system can be fashioned by attaching a track. If your mainsail uses sliders... start looking for the compatible track pieces (they will be screwed on sections.) Good luck.
The Capri 14.2, however, is a fractional rig with swept back spreaders, no backstay (that I'm aware of). It is a dinghy by nature. Not sure if it will plane, or allow trapezing... it looks more like a lido 14 or holder 14, which are heavier, centerboard type dinghies like your Capri.
So.... I suggest you NOT limit your search to a Catalina vessel, but to any daysailor/dinghy similar is style and weight to your Capri. Check with sailboatdata.com to get your comparable info. There are many boats that fit this category, I'm sure you will find something. All you really need is the replacement mast to have the same mainsail attachment system. Sliders or bolt rope. A bolt rope system will be part of the extrusion. A slider system can be fashioned by attaching a track. If your mainsail uses sliders... start looking for the compatible track pieces (they will be screwed on sections.) Good luck.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,454
I would contact Dwyer Mast & Rigging. I suspect they would have the exact match.
dwyermast.com
If new is out of the budget, check for a consignment shop or salvage yard on the East Coast. They take in old boats and take them apart, selling the pieces. There is bound to be a Capri mast on the East Coast waiting in a yard somewhere.
Look in places where boats get damaged. Hurricane alley from North Carolina to Florida would have potential. Back in the day, the Capri was popular on the Chesapeake Bay.
Dwyer Mast & Rigging - Quality Sailboat Parts and Rigging
Manufacturing high-quality sailboat masts, booms, hardware, and rigging to the marine industry since 1963.
dwyermast.com
Look in places where boats get damaged. Hurricane alley from North Carolina to Florida would have potential. Back in the day, the Capri was popular on the Chesapeake Bay.
Road Trip, Baby!
That's exactly what I was talking about.
The trailer would be worth two or three times what is being asked.
Probably could have bought it with two Franklins or five Grants
Really? Do you think the time and cost of driving from the NYC area to the West Coast and back towing a trailer to obtain a used mast is a worth it?