[C320-list] Replacing Stem Fitting

[Larry Frank]

Agreed that the stemhead should be replaced with new and I recommend the new design.  I just replaced the stemhead on WindSwept (1995 #246) for the second time.  First was in 2006.  The old design is prone to failure as I can attest.  When you go to the bother of taking the failed stemhead off and the reinstalling something why not go with a new one with a better design?  You may want to check directly with Garhauer (Garhauermarine.com) who makes all of them.  You should be able to save some money over Catalina or CD.  Be prepared to send in the old fitting so they can make sure they get the new one correct.  I believe all of the sourcing options will require this and you should want to take this approach too as not all C320s are exactly the same.

Larry
WindSwept
C320 #246

On 5/3/21, 4:51 PM, "C320-list on behalf of jackbrennan" <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com on behalf of jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:

    Unless I-m mistaken, you're talking about the chainplate for the forestay. It's a very bad idea to try to fix it with welding.If that goes, your entire rig comes down. And no insurance company would pay once it saw a weld.If it is the chainplate, hire a rigger and do it right. And have him check the rest of the rigging while he's at it.If the rigging is original, it's long past its due date. Jack BrennanSonas, 1998 Catalina 320Back home in Tierra Verde, Fl.Sent from my Galaxy
    -------- Original message --------From: Dennis Cookson <dennis at cooksons.net> Date: 5/3/21  10:24 AM  (GMT-05:00) To: "C320-List at catalina320.com" <C320-List at Catalina320.com> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Replacing Stem Fitting Hi Mark,I’d be interested to see a photo of this crack in the stem fitting if you’re able to post it, so I know exactly what to watch out for. Rgds,Dennis CooksonCatalina #577> On 3 May 2021, at 06:03, mseyler at cox.net wrote:> > I have discovered a crack in the stainless steel stem fitting where the> forestay attaches to the deck, and will need to replace it.  I am aware that> Catalina Direct offers a fitting, and have a request pending to Catalina> Parts department for a quote on a replacement fitting.  But my question is,> how would I get to the nuts on the bolts holding the fitting to the stem?> As best I can tell there is no access unless I could reach all the way> around the from the aft side of the anchor locker, and I don't think my arms> are long enough.  Has anyone replaced this fitting on their 320? Do I need> to cut an access port in the front side of the anchor locker to reach the> underside of the fitting?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.> > > > Mark Seyler> > S/V Reality, > > Catalina 320, #232> > New Orleans, LA> > >