Greetings from Wisconsin where I sail Pente, hull 1897 manufactured in 2000.
I will be installing a 72 inch long mast track with adjustable sliding car to assist in controlling whisker pole. I am concerned with not nicking / cutting any internal wire or ropes with in the mast. I will want to use drill bit stop and correct thread cutting tool matching the screws to attach track on mast.
- how thick is the mast wall?
- do all masts of that vintage have an internal PVC tube to protect electric wires?
- where is the PVC tube located (bow or stern side of mast)?
- suggestions on how to do this job with the mast up would be appreciated.
My thought is to gorilla tape track on the mast, top and bottom. Punch dimples in the aluminum mast to mark where the top and bottom screws are to be drilled. Secure drill stop collar at a distance equal to the thickness of the mast. Use new high grade drill bits, dipping the tip repeatedly in machine oil.
Any and all suggestions appreciated.
Thanks.
peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Just did this job, but with traditional mast. On my 2005 mast there is a line on the front center of the mast, the PVC tube is obvious with rivets on the starboard side.
I would only use the Greenlee drill/tap, unless you are a glutton for punishment. You pit it in an impact driver, add some cutting fluid and 10 seconds later a perfect drilled and tapped hole. My first time using these, will NEVER use anything else unless I have to. Bought two in case it broke, but never even flinched at the impact at full speed.
My process:
I used two tools: drill and impact driver.
The drill had the pilot drill bit wrapped with tape for a snug fit in the t-track hole - only drilled enough to make a dimple.
The impact had the drill/tap "wonder tool".
Start by estimating the where you want the t-track height, and drill/tap the bottom hole.
Apply the t-track (tape the top in place), and do the top hole, then the middle. Then the rest keeping the track centered (important!).
I used 5/16-18 3/4" long from bolt depot.
Remove all, clean and apply tef gel, re-secure. Have a beer ;-)
I estimated a long time for this task, but it was a snap and allowed more beer time than I though.
The mast was thick enough for about 3 threads of engagement - originally concerned it might be too thin, but alas it works great.
I'm 6'2" and did this alone with the mast up at a mooring. Ended up needing to stand on a deck chair by the mast - looked like a fool, but only for the few seconds it takes for the wonder tool ;-)
Also, I am planning on adding 4 ft of track and storing the pole on the mast. I have the stanchion mounts, but don't care for them. The added windage is a compromise, but with your in-mast it won't matter much anyway ;-)
My 1993, hull1237, already had the track you are referring to installed when I purchased it in 2017. I know the boom on mine is 3/16" thick. Can't say for sure about the mast. I wish I had measured it when I had the mast pulled, but I didn`t. I have drilled and tapped several holes on the side of the mast with no problem. My wires are on the forward end of the mast. If you see the rivets referred to by the others, it would seem you have the benefit of the PVC tube. If you are careful with the drill stop and don't see PVC on your drill bit you are fine. I think you are unlikely to have a problem. Good luck.
Bob Longo
Transcendent, 1993 Catalina 36 Mk. 1.5, hull 1237
Raleigh, NC
The thickness of mast can be measured from the opening at the base of the mast where the wires exit the opening.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
I was able to measure the thickness of the mast wall at 3/16” (measured at the base of the mast where the wires exit the mast). My 72” track has 38 holes, I am probably going to use 19 screws (every other hole). I was able to buy a used track & hardware from Minnie’s Yacht Surplus and am having a local company bead blast the track and then powder coat. Good service from Minnie’s in Costa Mesa, California-I live in Wisconsin and Minnie’s sent me pictures of the available inventory.
peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina