What is this and what's it for?

[MaryEllaRose]

I'm the proud new owner of a '90 Catalina 25. The boat is not in the water yet, the mast is down. I'm still sorting things out. I found this attached to the bottom of the CDI furler with wire so I'm assuming that it has something to do with the furler or the mast. I looked through the instruction manual's exploded view and saw no reference to it. The previous owner had suffered a stroke and has communication difficulties so there's no help there. It looks as though it slides into either the furler or the mast but I can't figure out what it's for.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

Looks like the fitting to hold up the pop top.

I think the screw is in backwards

Les

 

[Stu Jackson]

You may want to get to know these folks, too:

http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3

 

[hewebb]

Les is correct
It goes in the mast track toward the bottom with the hook upward. There should be a knurled knob on the screw to tighten it in the slot-very similar to the sail slug slide stop at he gate. When the pop top is up this slides up and hooks to the edge of the top to keep it from accidentally falling down,

 

[MaryEllaRose]

Thanx Guys,

I figured it had something to do with the mast but not being familiar with the pop top I had no clue. We’re strictly day sailors and will probably not use the pop top very much, if ever.
I’ve yet to step the mast and set up the rig so expect more questions...

Tom G

 

[Simon Sexton]

Be sure you also find the tightening bolt that goes on the end of that screw, or else you won't be able to keep that thing in place and it'll just slide down the mast when you try and use it; that happened to me when I first bought my '84 Catalina 25. That little bolt was gone, and I had some problems, haha.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Yup. Pop top lock.

Here's one complete.

Many people mistrust them. Search the forums and you should find some insight and alternatives.
It is also used on the C22 since it has the same pop top.

I have two of them. One has a nice large metal knob on it. The larger size makes it much easier to get it as tight as possible.
I am thinking of replacing the knob with the cam lever.

We’re strictly day sailors and will probably not use the pop top very much, if ever.

IMO that pop top is one of the best features of the boats.
Did your C22 have one ?
With a lift support system it's easy to raise. Great for making lunch at the dock.