Hi all, Long story as short as possible. Yesterday was "Mast Raising Day" for my new '85 Catalina 25 and I thought 3 men and 2 women would be all the hands we would need to get the job done safely. Just as we finished all the pre-lift organizing, the crew of a brand spanking new '05 Catalina 250 were pulling back in from their "sea trial". A gentleman wearing a "Catalina Yachts" shirt asks if we're "Going Up or Coming Down". As I tell him we're about to go up, he climbs on board, explains quickly that he's been with Catalina for the last 25 years and will help us "Git 'er Done". I'm not about to stop him from taking charge, as he's now the pro-on-board. One of our stand-byers asks my wife to put the companion way boards back in, as this will add a bit of support to the sliding hatch in case someone needs to spend a few seconds on there getting the mast up. Our "Pro" quickly dismisses the task and says "Watch This!". As he confesses that he weighs 250lbs, he is BOUNCING up and down on the sliding hatch!!!! The paramedics told me later that my heart probably started back up as I hit the ice cold water from passing out on the deck!!! 
But the mast went up and all is right with the world!! Will I start allowing folks to miander on my sliding hatch? No. But at least I know my new boat is built better than I would have EVER given it credit. Thanks to the mysterious stranger and everyone else who helped me out!!! Ed
But the mast went up and all is right with the world!! Will I start allowing folks to miander on my sliding hatch? No. But at least I know my new boat is built better than I would have EVER given it credit. Thanks to the mysterious stranger and everyone else who helped me out!!! Ed