Has anyone replaced the standard chainplate eyebolts with the newer U-Bolt kit from Catalina Direct? I plan on taking the mast down for winter storage this year ( I am having the rigging inspected and will probably end up replacing the standing rigging). I have a 1983 C-27 Standard Rig (Hull #5258) and am torn between getting the newer eyebolt kit or the U-Bolt Kit. If anyone has done the U-Bolt Kit change, please send instructions as to how it was done. I read a recent article about replacing with the larger eyebolt kits and that seems straightforward. I am looking to minimize the amount of work needed to be done (i.e. whether the old holes need to be filled or any special alignments). I sail primarily on Narragansett Bay and am unsure what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, is there any reason why the kit only addresses the forward and aft lowers? Mike Beaujean C-27 "Timeless Flight"
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John Eastin
Been there...
Mike, our current boat had a real problem with the stock U-bolts Catalina installed. We had one break while under sail and it was a very worrisome experience. This occurred before we purchased the boat but I was on board during the fateful cruise and recall the prior owner of the boat called Catalina and they sent him new replacement U-bolt kits. They are much stronger than the originals and considerably bulkier. For what it's worth the surveyor liked them when I did the pre-purchase survey. I've emailed your post to the previous owner (a good friend) and hopefully he can shed a little light on the process he used in replacing them. I'll let you know.
Mike, our current boat had a real problem with the stock U-bolts Catalina installed. We had one break while under sail and it was a very worrisome experience. This occurred before we purchased the boat but I was on board during the fateful cruise and recall the prior owner of the boat called Catalina and they sent him new replacement U-bolt kits. They are much stronger than the originals and considerably bulkier. For what it's worth the surveyor liked them when I did the pre-purchase survey. I've emailed your post to the previous owner (a good friend) and hopefully he can shed a little light on the process he used in replacing them. I'll let you know.
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Gene
U-Bolts
I recently changed over to the U-Bolts, don't know if they are the same as Catalina Direct as I always deal with the Catalina Factory as I find them cheaper. I would recommend going with the U-Bolts, it is a simple installation and there is no comparion in mechanical strength. You reuse the existing hole and drill another in the recommended spot. I had no problems with cabin roof curvature on the backing plate, etc. The only tricky part is sealing the wooden deck backing (had a problem with housekeeping with epoxy getting on deck non-skid.) If I did it over I would probably duct tape all deck around hole to keep stray epoxy in control. This is not only for the U-Bolts, it is for any to seal any deck penetration (old hole included.) Recommend the West System epoxy system, instuctions for procedures are available at Marine stores or www.westsystem.com. No fix is required on the upper halyard as the chain plate is already strong, probably even stronger than the bulkhead it is bolted to. There is a school of thought to reinforce the chain plate into the hull, etc. but this is probably only for blue-water applications. Gene
I recently changed over to the U-Bolts, don't know if they are the same as Catalina Direct as I always deal with the Catalina Factory as I find them cheaper. I would recommend going with the U-Bolts, it is a simple installation and there is no comparion in mechanical strength. You reuse the existing hole and drill another in the recommended spot. I had no problems with cabin roof curvature on the backing plate, etc. The only tricky part is sealing the wooden deck backing (had a problem with housekeeping with epoxy getting on deck non-skid.) If I did it over I would probably duct tape all deck around hole to keep stray epoxy in control. This is not only for the U-Bolts, it is for any to seal any deck penetration (old hole included.) Recommend the West System epoxy system, instuctions for procedures are available at Marine stores or www.westsystem.com. No fix is required on the upper halyard as the chain plate is already strong, probably even stronger than the bulkhead it is bolted to. There is a school of thought to reinforce the chain plate into the hull, etc. but this is probably only for blue-water applications. Gene
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Gene
Rigging
Mike, Forgot one other item, according to the directions the U-Bolt installation will make your rigging a fraction of an inch too long, depending on your stay length you may be able to make up the difference in your turnbuckles. Gene
Mike, Forgot one other item, according to the directions the U-Bolt installation will make your rigging a fraction of an inch too long, depending on your stay length you may be able to make up the difference in your turnbuckles. Gene
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John Eastin
U-bolts
Mike, I checked with the previous owner of my boat and he told me that he went with the U-bolt update kit. The u-bolts are substantially longer but shouldn't be a problem. Because they are stainless it may be difficult to cut them with a hacksaw. Mine just have cap nuts on them and have not been any trouble over the last 3 years. I asked the guy if he did any prep work and he told me that all he did was drill and/or redrill the holes and then used a sealant to ensure the deck remained water tight. As I said in my earlier post the surveyor liked what he saw and he spent nearly 4 hours on the survey checking every possible detail before I purchased the boat.
Mike, I checked with the previous owner of my boat and he told me that he went with the U-bolt update kit. The u-bolts are substantially longer but shouldn't be a problem. Because they are stainless it may be difficult to cut them with a hacksaw. Mine just have cap nuts on them and have not been any trouble over the last 3 years. I asked the guy if he did any prep work and he told me that all he did was drill and/or redrill the holes and then used a sealant to ensure the deck remained water tight. As I said in my earlier post the surveyor liked what he saw and he spent nearly 4 hours on the survey checking every possible detail before I purchased the boat.
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Garry
U bolts
I did the Catalina Direct upgrade to U bolts. The U bolts were (if memory serves) 3/8" and the old eye bolt was (memory again) 1/2" so I had to fill that hole with epoxy and re-drill. My only complaint is that the backing plates are aluminum angle and they stick down a ways, look like the devil and give a great feeling of confidence. You don't have to worry about acorn nuts etc. as the angle shape sticks down well below the ends of the bolts. All in all an easy job but only do one at a time.
I did the Catalina Direct upgrade to U bolts. The U bolts were (if memory serves) 3/8" and the old eye bolt was (memory again) 1/2" so I had to fill that hole with epoxy and re-drill. My only complaint is that the backing plates are aluminum angle and they stick down a ways, look like the devil and give a great feeling of confidence. You don't have to worry about acorn nuts etc. as the angle shape sticks down well below the ends of the bolts. All in all an easy job but only do one at a time.
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Mike Beaujean
Need Clarification for U-Bolts
I guess I need some clarification concerning the installation of the U-Bolt kits. If you read the directions for the 1/2" eyebolt upgrade kit (I believe from a previous forum). It described having to worry about aligning eyebolt orientation and the like. My question is will I use the hole from the removal of the old eyebolt and just drill a second hole. If so, which would be which?(again a question of orientation). Example, if I replaced the forward eyebole, would I use the template and put one leg in the existing hole and would the other hole for the other end of the U-Bolt be forward or aft of the first hole and would or should the U-Bolt have the same orientation as the eyebolt did? Pictures would probably help a great deal. Again, Any info would be greatly appreciated. Mike Beaujean C-27 "Timeless Flight" #5258
I guess I need some clarification concerning the installation of the U-Bolt kits. If you read the directions for the 1/2" eyebolt upgrade kit (I believe from a previous forum). It described having to worry about aligning eyebolt orientation and the like. My question is will I use the hole from the removal of the old eyebolt and just drill a second hole. If so, which would be which?(again a question of orientation). Example, if I replaced the forward eyebole, would I use the template and put one leg in the existing hole and would the other hole for the other end of the U-Bolt be forward or aft of the first hole and would or should the U-Bolt have the same orientation as the eyebolt did? Pictures would probably help a great deal. Again, Any info would be greatly appreciated. Mike Beaujean C-27 "Timeless Flight" #5258
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Garry
U bolts
As I mentioned in my last post the U bolts are a little smaller (3/8"?) than the eye bolt (1/2"?). You will have to fill in the old 1/2" hole with epoxy then re drill for the new U bolt (see Nigel Calder's book for guidance in refitting a hole in your deck). When I did it I used the location of the old hole for the inboard end of the U bolt. I tied a string around the mast and stretched it over the first hole to locate the direction for the outboard hole and used the backing plate as a guide to drill the hole the proper distance from the first hole. I had no trouble with the length of the stays as I had plenty of room in the turnbuckles.
As I mentioned in my last post the U bolts are a little smaller (3/8"?) than the eye bolt (1/2"?). You will have to fill in the old 1/2" hole with epoxy then re drill for the new U bolt (see Nigel Calder's book for guidance in refitting a hole in your deck). When I did it I used the location of the old hole for the inboard end of the U bolt. I tied a string around the mast and stretched it over the first hole to locate the direction for the outboard hole and used the backing plate as a guide to drill the hole the proper distance from the first hole. I had no trouble with the length of the stays as I had plenty of room in the turnbuckles.
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Peter Hine
Pay a Rigger
I did the "u-bolt" upgrade about 8 years ago, but I just paid a local rigger to install it from the instructions that Catalina (or Catalina Direct-I don't remember where I got it) provided. As I recall the kit was about $50, and he charged me about the same ($50) to install. Been working fine, no leaks or problems since! For $50, I couldn't even haul my tools (assuming I had the right ones) down to the boat and read the instructions, let alone drill the holes, caulk, and re-tune the rig!
I did the "u-bolt" upgrade about 8 years ago, but I just paid a local rigger to install it from the instructions that Catalina (or Catalina Direct-I don't remember where I got it) provided. As I recall the kit was about $50, and he charged me about the same ($50) to install. Been working fine, no leaks or problems since! For $50, I couldn't even haul my tools (assuming I had the right ones) down to the boat and read the instructions, let alone drill the holes, caulk, and re-tune the rig!
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