I am buying a 1988 Catalina 36 and with original rigging. Boat has been used (about 1000 hrs on the engine) in summers in New England and stored with mast on for years. I am wondering when can I expect to have to replace the rigging or should I do it YESTERDAY.
Jhuns9669,
If you review the Manual I believe it states something like every 5 years. that said you should be able to get a rigger to take a look and tell you if there is any cause for concern. when i purchased my boat (1984 model) i replaced all the rigging. the problem is that it is the things that you can't see that could be a problem. for example there is a spacer at the top of the mast for the upper shrouds that is made of aluminum that prevents the mast from being compressed. that is most likely GONE or at least it was on my boat.. if i were you i would at the very least check all the fittings including the fittings at the top of the mast....
FWIW
Mike Hogan
s/v Ciscocat #226
Mark I XP25, std rig
25 years is a long time for salt water, New England, rig standing in the winters. The lower swedges are the most susceptible. A phased-approach might be in order and you can do the work yourself using Sta-Loc fittings. Do the longest wires first as they have the most movement and therefore the most strain hardening of the stainless. Backstay and forestay as soon as possible, then cap shrouds during winter decommissioning, then lowers during spring commissioning.
Easy job and can be done while the rig is standing if you're comfortable in a bosum's chair. You can use halyards to support the rig as each wire is done. Maybe $1500 in parts for the whole shabang.
Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor
When we bought our first boat, the older standing rigging looked good and the yard putting it up thought it was fine... Well, while rounding Cape Anne on our delivery trip, the deck-stepped mast flipped back after the forestay failed. Luckily all it did was leave a deep dent in the stern railing... But I would be very careful with an older rig that has not been inspected by a rigger.
Cheers,
Daniel
1988 Catalina 36 MK I - Swept Away
YESTERDAY!
Duncan McNeill
1984 Catalina 36 #178
standard rig fin keel M25
Channel Islands