[C320-list] Dodger and Bimini Rub

[Warren Updike]

Brad, from what I hear, mid-boom sheeting is a compromise at best. Boom-end
is preferred. That is one reason why Hunter (burn my tongue,) has the SS
arch with the traveler mounted on it so the moment of force is as far back
on the boom as possible.  Moving the bale forward is in violation of the
designers intents.  Inviting problems. 

I added a leather chafe patch to the front of my dodger. Just make sure you
don't allow the main to luff unless the topping lift has a strain and is
holding the boom up.  In port or at anchor, secure the boom to one side of
the centerline to be sure it won't chafe the dodger.

Learn to live with it.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Kuether [mailto:bkuether at comcast.net] 
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 7:50 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Dodger and Bimini Rub

Hey Everyone,

I have queried the group in the past about the factory canvas on the later
model 320s (2000s w / factory canvas).  To refresh, the main sheet is angled
such that is rubs the top front of the dodger.  The boom also rubs the top
of the bimini however that is less of the problem.  

I had proposed two solutions, and now have three.

  1.. Move the main sheet blocks up higher (off the traveler) to cut down
the angle.
  2.. Have the dodger lowered (front tube only) and have the canvas re-cut.
  3.. Move the bale forward on the boom. (1 inch would probably do it...)
I went to visit APS (Annapolis Performance Sailing) and they highly
recommended against 1 and suggested 3.

Has anyone moved their bale forward on their 320 and if so:

  a.. Was it difficult to do if they did it themselves? (involves drilling
rivets, drilling new holes and re-riveting.)
  b.. Is there any engineering concerns?
I know that some Hunters are rigged the same way and have the bale even more
forward than the Cat 320.

Any thoughts on this?  Thanks in advance!

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