[C320-list] Rigging issue

[Bill Hutt]

Ted,

Connect the main halyard to the aft cleat and crank it with the winch. It 
should pull the mast back enough to get the rear stay on. We had the exact 
same problem with my '99 when we brought it home. Struggled for about two 
hours until the mechanic walked by and told us what to do.
Bill Hutt
Caribbean Soul #870
Cleveland, Ohio

-----Original Message----- 
From: tharrison at innovations-plus.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 3:46 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Rigging issue

I cannot get my backstays connected. After I connect the port backstay
bridle the starboard Backstay bridle is about 3 inches short.



I have a Schaefer 2000 forestay. The Catalina rigging length specification
shows this as 42 feet 11 ¼ inches. (note the Hood specification is 43 feet 3
¾ inches) – 4 inches of difference.



The Aft Lower Shrouds show a length of 14 feet, 11 ½ inches and the backstay
bridle as 13 feet 3 ½ inches.(8 inches of difference) This difference would
be notices when we attaches the side turnbuckles.



It is a 1997 Catalina.



We stepped the mast by connecting all electrical and the lowered the mast on
the step.



We then connected the Schaefer furling (foil).



We then tried to connect the backstays and not even close. To just get the
mast on we used 1.5 inch shackles on each side. The turnbuckles are just on.



This is our first time rigging the boat and our second summer. When we
hauled it out last fall the backstay had tension and the sprang fee. We did
not adjust the turnbuckle on the foil.



We rigged a Catalina 34 before we tried to do ours and not a problem. We
looked at another Catalina 320 and a 36 and both skipper said they have no
problems.



Has anyone encountered this problem? Any ideas?



Ted