[C320-list] Masthead Sheaves on Older Models

[Scott Thompson]

Looking at the mast manual from Charleston Spars on the Association web 
site it looks like the sheaves are "Acetal."  They are not all the same 
size.  Of course I don't know whether that applies to early boats, but 
the pictures in the manual look just like my 1999 boat's masthead.  The 
design appears to require you to remove the mast head cover in order to 
remove the sheaves.  The masthead cover is the black insert in the top 
of the masthead in this picture:

http://www.catalina320.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=1&s=20081116101601205

Of course if you have the usual array of windex, wind speed instruments, 
  anchor light, antenna, etc. as in the picture then you will have to 
remove some of that first because it will be in the way and maybe even 
blocking access to the masthead cover.  So once you are up there (and I 
mean WAY up there to get access to the top of the mast) you get to 
remove all of that hardware.  Don't drop any of course.  Nor any of the 
mounting screws.  Then you get to remove the masthead cover (and more 
screws), and finally figure out how to get the sheaves out with the 
weight of the halyards on them.  (Don't forget to not disconnect the 
halyards holding you up.  This is going to require switching halyards at 
some point if you want to replace all of the sheaves.)  Then put it all 
back together.  No problem.

Personally, I find changing a lightbulb up there to be a challenge.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653


warren updike wrote:
> I'm sure someone with a 1994-5 model knows what kind of sheaves there are at
> the mast head.  I think the choices are plastic like those at the boom end
> or some other more durable material.  
> 
> I was planning on un-stepping the mast last fall; but, the market changed my
> plans as it did for many others.  I'm also wondering if replacing the
> sheaves is doable from a boson's chair?
> 
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
> Middle River, Chesapeake Bay
> 
> 
> 
> 

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653