Wanting to restore and improve not retrofit

[MoondancerFL]

Hey everyone Im looking for some advice on where i could possibly get some woodwork done. I want to put in new spreaders in my Catalina 30 tall rig, its a '79 so it still has the aviation spruce spreaders but they have seen better days. Any suggestions on who might be able to build me some, I have the original blue prints with all the specifications.
Thanks and happy sailing

 

[mortyd]

i keep saying i won't ask this again, but have you tried catalina?

 

[jrowan]

Catalina Direct does indeed sell the replacement spreaders in aluminum, see: www.catalinadirect.com. If you've got the original specs. then U could have new ones made in spruce wood. Although if I were to go to the trouble to replace them, I would have the spreaders made of aluminum, as they're much more durable. Spruce spreaders were dated technology even when Catalina first started using them in the late 70's. They can look good from the view at the deck, but be totally dry rotted from above. U.V. sun damage cooks them just like it eventually curls teak decking boards.

 

[jrowan]

ps. Can you post the pics of your spreader specifications / blue prints?
I'm sure that it would be valuable info for all of us. Thanks.

 

[mortyd]

jrowan, why would you go to catalina direct while catalina yachts is still in business? i also understand that replacing wood spreaders with aluminium is not a simple slip on/slip off operation.

 

[jrowan]

I didn't think that Catalina itself was in the business of selling replacement parts for their older, discontinued models. Have U actually bought parts from Catalina Yachts? Because I thought they were in business to sell new Catalinas, not old model parts. That said, I believe that I contacted them a few years back when I was looking for C 25 parts & I recall that they actually referred me to Catalina Direct. But U are correct that its quite a job to change out wooden spreaders for the new aluminum design.
The spreader brackets have to be completely replaced which is a lot of work.
Although its a lot less work then replacing your entire rig, if God forbid the wood spreaders fails & sends your mast & rigging overboard.

 

[mortyd]

?? there must be two catalina yachts parts departments because i have always been treated well and got the parts i needed. they even told me not deal with catalina direct because of possibly inferior parts and higher prices. when my oil pressure/high temp alarm wouldn't work and seaward was no help, i called frank butler directly, and he read the riot act to seaward, who had me take pix and my problem was solved hubba hubba.

 

[mortyd]

and, car companies too are in the business of selling new cars but they stock parts for older ones. one of the ways catalina can produce quality boats at reasonable prices is widespread part commonality so don't be surprised if a part on a catalina 27 is found on a 455.

 

[jrowan]

Hey relax a lil' Mortyd. I've gotten several parts from Catalina and Catalina direct over the years & both were good quality & reasonably priced. Although some fittings supplied as original Catalina parts were downright cheap, such as their hatch hinges and hasp closures. Well known for their weakness and are prone to corrosion. I also seriously doubt that there are many parts on a C 27 that are interchangeable with a 455. They are a breed apart in design. ps. When was it that you last spoke with Frank Butler himself? Because I thought he was in his 80's by now and that Gerry Douglass runs the company now.

 

[MoondancerFL]

Thanks everyone I will post the original blueprints i got from Catalina yachts.

 

[Jack - La Paz Mx]

Five years ago our 1983 Cat 30 was severely damaged by a hurricane in Mexico. Called Catalina, replaced everything from their stock. We also lost ALL stainless on the deck, pulpits, lifelines, etc. Drove over to Catalina, loaded all in my pickup, dropped off at boatyard in Mexico. Everything fit our '83 Cat as original. In the factory we saw many groups of parts for all years of Catalina. Also replaced diesel aluminum tank, fit like original, same mounting. The benefit of owning a Catalina is that they are still in business and support older boats. We have also used Catalina Direct and have been very satisfied with them.

 

[jrowan]

To Moondancer, WOW those are great spec. drawings. I have the old parts catalog drawings, but those are awesome. Catalina can really be a treasure house of original blue print drawings. Replacing my spreaders is one of the last big modifications I want to make on my boat. Its just getting the money & time to do it.

 

[pencema]

Your old wood spreaders are over 30 years old. Do you think you'll outlive a pair of replacements?