[C320-list] Replacing the Stem Fitting - Best Practice

[Chris Burti]

Attach the halyard to the cleat in the anchor well and crank on the winch until you can get the pin out of the stem fitting. FWIW the mast will stand without the stay or the halyard in light winds.

Thanks,
Chris Burti
Commitment #867
Farmville, NC

From: Dennis Cookson
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2021 4:31 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Replacing the Stem Fitting - Best Practice

I am seeking advice from those in the know regarding best practice in removing and replacing the stem fitting on a C320, especially with regard to standing rigging tensions and mast support. I have taken measurements of the standing rigging tensions prior to commencing this job, including that of the forestay having exposed a section normally hidden by the furler torque tube.  Our rigging was renewed a couple of years ago and is in very good condition. The forestay and cap shroud tensions were recorded at 1,100kg, whereas the two backstays were measured at ~300kg each.

Ultimately we need to reduce the forestay tension sufficiently to allow one or more halyards to support the mast and enable the furler to be disconnected from the stem fitting. However, we were surprised to find that there is no turnbuckle fitted to the forestay, which has just a toggle at the bow. So no means of easing the forestay tension directly.  Reducing the backstay tension does reduce the forestay tension of course, but here is where I’m seeking advice on best practice:

- how low must the forestay tension be reduced in order to allow it to be safely transferred to one or more halyards winched in?
- should it be necessary to ease cap tensions and/or aft side stays in order to ease forestay tension sufficiently?
- what is the best attachment point for the halyard(s)?  Individual bow cleats, bridle attached to both cleats, or perhaps anchor roller? Given that neither cleats nor roller were designed to take an upwards force.

Dennis Cookson
“Catalina" 0577