How to Install a Masthead Fly on a Catalina 22
A masthead fly is a wind direction indicator mounted to the top of the mast, which is viewed by the sailor to determine wind status while cruising. Installing a masthead fly is as easy as drilling two holes and securing a bracket. However, since the Catalina 22 mast is 25 feet high, it needs to be lowered -- or un-stepped -- in order to access the top. Although not difficult, mast stepping and un-stepping is a physical process that requires two people.
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Things You'll Need
- Pliers
- Magic marker
- Portable drill
- Drill bit
- Rivet gun
- Aluminum rivets
- 3 forestay cotter pins
- Mast cotter pin
Instructions
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1
Shut the cabin hatch closed, by sliding it aft.
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2
Unfasten the two forward lower stays, by unhooking the cotter pins with a pair of pliers. The cotter pins are located just above the turnbuckles mounted to the deck. Stays are wires running from the mast to the deck, helping support the mast in place.
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3
Tie a line or rope just above the turnbuckle on the forestay. The forestay is the forward-most wire, and the turnbuckle is located on the bow.
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4
Prepare to lower the mast. Have a helper ready in the cockpit, who is prepared to support the full weight of the mast for a short time. Grab the line attached to the forestay. While gripping the line, undo the forestay cotter pin and remove it from the turnbuckle. While keeping tension on the attached line, move aft to the base of the mast.
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5
Undo the cotter pin at the base of the mast, being prepared for the kick when the pin is removed. Begin lowering the mast to your helper, by gradually lowering it with the forestay line. When your helper has the mast stable, grab the base of the mast and move it, in tandem, to a solid surface.
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6
Mount the masthead fly on the port, or left side (when looking forward). Place the masthead fly bracket on the top side of the mast, and mark the two bracket holes onto the mast with a magic marker.
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7
Drill holes to accommodate the pop rivets. Align the bracket to the holes, load a rivet in the rivet gun, insert the rivet into the hole and squeeze the rivet gun handle. The rivet pops into place. Repeat this on the other bracket hole.
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8
Step (raise) the mast by reversing the lowering process, being sure two install new cotter pins when reattaching the forestay, forward lower stays and the mast.
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Tips & Warnings
For safety reasons, raising and lowering the mast is best accomplished when the boat is on solid ground -- not afloat.
References
- Catalina 22 National Sailing Association: Catalina 22 - An All-Around Champion
- Sailing Stop: Dictionary of Sailing Terminology
- Keowee Adventure Center: 1982 Catalina 22 Owners Manual
- Davis Instruments: Davis 10 Image
- Lightning Handbooks; Mast Stepping/Unstepping; Kevin Morin
- Cole Farms: Catalina 22 Specifications
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
