[C320-list] Bimini & Dodger protection- Suggestions?

[jim brown]

I have had leather strips put on to the forward bimini support-twice. The first one lasted 2 seasons (on Lake Ontario) I was obvious that the second wouldn't last any longer so I had the forward bimini support cut down 2 inches and the transition piece recut (had window installed at the same time which is nice). The boom still hits when I have the main really cranked in but only in the very middle of the bimini support. Never had the problem with the dodger though. 
 
Jim Brown
--- On Tue, 2/2/10, Brad Kuether <bkuether at comcast.net> wrote:

From: Brad Kuether <bkuether at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bimini & Dodger protection- Suggestions?
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 11:45 PM

Bernie,

Having the same problem.  I am attacking it two ways.  The canvas shop is going to repair my existing damage and will put in sacraficial cloth.  I had asked about the stuff I think Chris Burti mentioned, but the shop told me that stuff can shrink.  So I opted for the regular cloth.

I am also going to try and move the rear block that is connected to the rear bale "forward" by adding a longer shackle.  I was going to increase the length of the shackles on the main sheet traveler, but APS, a performance shop in Annapolis said  "weird unpredictable forces on the hardware".  So I am going for the rear shackle instead as I think it takes less force.  I have put the question to Catalina what the working load of that shackle should be.  Have not heard back will likely need to call.

The other option, the one I won't use until I have no others, is to have the dodger tubing modified (cut down and lowered) and the canvas re-cut.

Coming from a performance boat (C&C) mainsail shape is everything to me. The 320 is by no means in the same class, but its not slow either and mainsail shape will help.

Let us all know what you end up doing and I will do the same.

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD


----- Original Message ----- From: "Bernie Garrett" <berniegarrett at telus.net>
To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 9:14 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Bimini & Dodger protection- Suggestions?


> Hi folks,
> 
> As with many others I have the issue of the boom riding over the top of the
> dodger and front edge of the bimini and am planning to add some reinforcing
> fabric at those points to stop it scuffing and wearing away the canvas. I
> colleague suggested leather, but I know some boats have used synthetic
> fabric patches to go over the points of wear. Any suggestions what would
> work best and sources for such fabric?
> 
> Cheers
> Bernie
> ---------------------------
> Antares Hull #88,
> Point Roberts, WA
> 
> 
>