Hi All,
In preperation for the replacement mast i have been testing the fit using an offcut of the new mast.
It appears the bulkhead for the heads has moved or expanded to the point that im unsure the mast will fit with this in the way.
I have attached a picture to show the problem.
I cant see any movement from inside the head or any gaps around the bulkhead.
has anyone else seen or have any suggestions to resolve this without cutting or trimming the bulkhead?
thanks
Russ
—
Aurora, Milford Haven, UK
Hull 1489, 1995, Fin Keel
U shape Lounge, Westerbeke M35 engine, Mikuni heating
Have you placed the new mast cross section inside the mast collar that sits on the cabin top, or the inside the mast step casting to see if the new cross section is larger than the origional mast?
The furling mast we have has a lot of clearance between it and the cabin roof- I'm guessing 3/4"+
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Hi Russ,
I looked at my bulkhead and it's trimed on the last two feet... not sure if it's factory made.
You should use a plumbob or a string to check if the edge of the bulkhead is parralel to the mast position, mine is not 100%.
I personally think that your best option is to trim... I think that this bulkhead is under heavy load and after more than 20 years,
the hull as not exactly the same shape.
Dominique Fayos
'Laguaso'
Montréal, Québec, Canada
1989 C36TR MKI #985
Fin keel M25XP
Wow! That's a much wider diameter mast than the original! Despite the fiddling required, I'd take out the bung plugs on that corner of the wall/bulkhead and remove the corner trim, get it planned or trimmed on a tablesaw and sanded down to the point that it no longer will have contact with the new mast and replace and re-bung, trim bungs and sand/oil/varnish. That corner trim is cosmetic, not structural, I'm sure. You don't want any mast contact or you'll get some squeeking and abrasion.
Kevin Lenard
"Firefly"
'91 C-36 Mk. "1.5" Tall Rig, Fin Keel, Hull #1120, Universal M-35 original (not "A" or "B")
CBYC, Scarborough, Lake Ontario, Canada
Hi Russ,
Was the bulkhead touching the mast before? With no mast in place and no shrouds or stays the hull and bulkheads can move and shift. If it were mine I would take all the screws/bolts out of the bulkhead and try to move it over enough to install the mast then install all supporting shrouds/stays and adjust. This may help to reposition the bulkhead. If not then you could trim. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.
Tim
Tim Askew
S/V Allure
1990 Catalina 36 Hull # 1079
Std Rig, Wing Keel, M25XP
3 Blade Auto Prop
Elizabeth City, NC
Thanks for your replies everyone,
unfortunately i purchased the boat without the original mast so im not sure if that would have fit with the bulkhead where it is now.
The new mast is larger than the original im sure as i will have to trim the hole in the cabin roof to allow a smooth fitment.
the new mast does fit perfectly in the cabin floor mast foot.
i suspect i will check with a plumb line to see angle of the bulkhead and then i will trim this and revarnish.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Russ
Aurora, Milford Haven, UK
Hull 1489, 1995, Fin Keel
U shape Lounge, Westerbeke M35 engine, Mikuni heating