Messages

Ron - you are probably right. Can you send me a link to the article? The only hesitation is $$$. Trying to absorb the recurring costs of the Cat34....I can't store it in my yard like my Cat25....so thats $2K a year just to start with.

Bottom line - whats the cheapest single line furler replacement I can get? Do you get a new extrusion?

Thanks

After year 1 of our Cat34, I have found that more times than not, the 135 head sail on the boat is a little overpowering (yes - I reef the main when I can). I really desire less of a head sail, and with the hood 915 furler I do not feel confident in reefing the jib (pls try and convince me its a workable alternative!)

So, a local sail maker where my son works, said he can cut the existing sail down to somewhere like a 120%. There would need to be pennants on the tack and the head. He explained these as wire leaders connecting  to the eyelets of the sail to attach to the drum and halyard. He also explained how we would need to position the sail correctly to avoid halyard wrap.

The $$ to do this is significantly less than a new "imported" sail.of similar dimensions, , but am I ruining this sail and and lowering resale value down the line?

Pros, Cons?

thanks

I am a past owner of a fin keel Cat25. As a member of the "25" forum, I "hosted" a couple from the mid west when they visited New England towing their Cat25. They had a medium sized SUV (Explorer I think). I can see if he minds me forwarding his email to you....will get back to you.

http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/search.asp?mode=DoIt&MEMBER_ID=3146

....hmm. maybe bite the bullet and do both? I just talked to a large internet sail company, Rolly Tasker 110 jib would be around $1350.

Add that to the new furler ($1100?) and head stay ($300?)

....yikes

Marshall - thanks. I would prefer to do either one or the other for financial reasons: put a new 110 on the current 915, or keep the 135 but put her on a new roller furler....which way to go?

Ken & Steve - thanks for the quick responses. A little clarity on my part.....furling with the old system works fine, I am concerned about reefing with the 915.

Yes, a bimini that ends short of the boom seems plausible....the canvas guy is coming to my haul out tomorrow to measure prior to removing boom/mast.

Ken - who/how do I inquire about Hoods returning customer program? Did you rig it yourself or use a rigger?

Thanks

[Need to reduce Sail power:]

My first year with my 1989 Cat 34 M1 is coming to an end (earlier than normal here in the Northeast due to work obligations and travel.

1) Need to reduce Sail power: I believe I have a tall rig, not a std as the PO told me. I have a 135 head, and a new main. With the tall rig and 135, it seems to be almost always too much sail for Buzzards Bay (prevailing 18-22 kt winds). I have occasionally reefed the main, that helps. But with the old, original Hood 915 roller furler, I have been hesitant to reef the jib. Does anyone have any positive stories on reefing the jib with the 915? Or should I downsize the jib to a 110 next year OR invest in a new furler and use current 135?

2) Hot Water: How long does it take everyone to get hot water when under power....I've found somewhere around 30 mins running the engine at temp. Maybe I need a new hot water heater?

3) Looking into investing in a Bimini. I am a solid 6'2, and it appears the boom at rest with sail up is about 6'1. I will be crouched slightly at the helm with a Bimini presuming it must clear the boom. I am not sure that will be comfortable, but there is no alternative?

Overall a great introductory season. The boat sails well and provides comfort above and below decks. Wish the season was not so short!
Thanks

Does anyone have the cutlass bearing tool I can borrow (pay shipping of course).?

....or rent?