Main Sail Bolt Stop

[Steve S.]

Well, it happened.  Every year, some critical part slips out my hand and falls into the water.  This year, while de-commissioning the boat and removing the sails, I dropped the gnurled bolt that screws into the mast to keep the mainsail from falling out of the mast.   

I looked on Catalina direct but could not find it.  I believe its a standard size bolt.  Anybody know the screw size, offfhaned?   

[steve stoneback]

I am not certain, but I think it is a 5/16.

[tommyt]

Steve,

Just as an FYI. I pulled that knurled bolt and replaced it with a pin with a ball bearing in the end similar to what is used on canvas. The pin is on a line attached to the mast so it does not get lost.
I found that the main reefed much better(flatter) when I pulled the bottom two slugs out of the track.  However, when it is time to reef is not the time to have to play on a bouncing deck trying to get that bolt out and not drop it over the side.

I may have the old nut in my parts box on board if you prefer it. I certainly won't be using it again. My guess is that mine is the same size as yours.

[Ted Pounds]

Just buy a variety of sizes; keep the one that works and return the rest.   

[Ron Hill]

Steve : Call Catalina and they should have a replacement. 
I miss placed mine one year and used a 5/16NC one inch long stainless bold instead.  A thought

[chuck53]

So Steve, is your boat still for sale?

[Steve S.]

Ron and Steve - thanks for the size and the tips from others.  And yes, Chuck, unfortunately, the boat is still for sale.  I just told the marina I won't be renewing the slip. 

I'm moving to Japan next August and hope to buy a boat there.   I've learned that boats in the 25-35 foot range are readily available but a slip or mooring can be expensive.  Up to 3,000,000 Yen a year ($35,000).   Also, all operators of boats with engines 2 HP or larger must be licensed.  This includes passing a written exam (they give it in English once a year) and taking a practical sail (not sure how that works).  Luckily, there is a Tokyo Power and Sail Squadron that is part of the US Power Squadron that gives lessons to prepare for the test.   Hopefully, I can figure it all out.  In the meantime, the US Naval Base at Yokosuka, which is at the mouth of Tokyo Bay and only about an hours drive without traffic, 3 hours with traffic, has sail boats to rent.   So I can always feed the sailing jones that way for awhile.   

[tonywright]

I think that you will probably find the Japanese tests a great learning experience!

I lived in Germany for several years and they have the same requirement for licensing. The preparation for the licenses is pretty intense - I did a two week course in residence at a sailing school. The on-water exam requires man overboard maneuvers to be executed perfectly, with the boat under sail only and being brought to a complete stop alongside a buoy previously dropped overboard. It also requires well executed docking maneuvers, and demonstrated knowledge of the most common knots.  The motorboat license required the same kind of maneuvers under power, using a speedboat - I found the docking and MOB tests much harder in that, with all the leeway you get in any kind of wind.  

The written tests lasted about 2 hours and covered many aspects of coastal navigation, including recognition of light signals and navigation light combinations (barge under tow, vessel fishing etc).

Finally we had to demonstrate very good practical knowledge of local waters: hazards to navigation, prevailing weather conditions and typical extreme weather events and how to handle them.  

The Canadian operator's certificate is a bit of a joke compared to all of that.

You are a lucky guy to be able to experience the adventure. Keep us posted.

Tony

[Steve S.]

Tony - All I can say is - Yikes!

I'll keep you all posted.   Thay gave the test in English in October of this year, I'm just hoping they do the same in 2010.  I understand they will only give the test if they have a minimum of 10 people.  If not, I can bring a Japanese interpreter to the Japan language test.