[C320-list] masthead sheaves and rollers

[Graeme Clark]

The masthead has a hinged plate with a screw to keep it closed. The screw is stainless and the plate is alloy so expect it to be seized!  When you get it open the sheaves are on steel cylindrical axles (rods!) that just lift out of a slot.  I now wish i had replaced mine when I had the mast down a few years ago. If i was doing it again I would get sheaves made by a local lathe turner to incorporate suitable roller bearings as the existing ones (on my Mk 1) are simple plastic sheaves with a phosphor bronze insert that  bears (grinds?) against the steel rod axle!

There is a lot of friction in the C320 halyard set-up with mast base blocks and guide blocks under the traveller rail as well as the masthead sheaves. Any tension on the halyard at the winch end is doubled at the masthead so given the very basic bearing that is there, its not a great system - especially if you don't fit a Cunningham to be able to increase luff tension if desired!.

Graeme

1996 Jaskar, #366



> On 14 Nov 2019, at 17:17, Jeffrey Brown <oceanblues at mac.com> wrote:
> 
> Jeff and others,
> Thanks for the info. I called and left a voicemail at Sparcraft today, let’s see if they return my call. I’m wondering if anyone else has successfully replaced the rollers on the masthead, does it require a whole new entire masthead or are you able to dissemble and replace the rollers. Can this be done without dropping the mast? I’m pretty sure my rollers are shot, have tough time with the jib halyard and the chaffing on the line tells me there’s some problems going on up there.
> 
> Jeff Brown
> "Out of the blue" Dana Point, CA
> Catalina 320, Hull 78
> (949) 350-5123
> oceanblues at mac.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Nov 12, 2019, at 7:18 PM, Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
>> 
>> For what it's worth, I just heard from someone that they respond to email but don't always answer their phone these days.Might try both...Jeff
>> -------- Original message --------From: Chris Burti <clburti at gmail.com> Date: 11/12/19  8:01 PM  (GMT-05:00) To: C320-List at Catalina320.com Subject: Re: [C320-list] masthead sheaves and rollers Charleston Spar, now Sparcraft, built the masts. I’ve been able to buy parts in the past.http://www.sparcraft-us.comThanks,Chris BurtiFarmville, NCFrom: SCHWARTZSent: Tuesday, November 12, 2019 7:48 PMTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com; nibjSubject: [C320-list] masthead sheaves and rollersAhoy all.......my 1995 #245 has mast down for the winter. I am looking for information to replace sheaves and rollers....a pair of rollers guiding jib halyard out the front, top of mast......Catalina store not helpfull on this item.....anyone replace theirs???Thanks...Joe> On November 12, 2019 at 6:01 PM nibj <nibj at mac.com> wrote:> > > Thanks everyone.  The PO told us the cushion covers are Sunbrella.  In any case they aren’t original and some do need cleaning.  So we will be taking your advice.> > Best> > Peter> Tangled #226
>