Carefully inspect all swedge fittings for cracks. If the fittings and wire are ten years old or older, they should be replaced. I replaced my fittings with Hi-Mod fittings which I believe are the best of those available. For emergency repairs, I carry a spare piece of wire longer than my longest piece of standing rigging with an eye already attached and another fitting taped to the bitter end of the wire. The spreader bases should be upgraded if they are forged. If you upgrade any lights I would suggest you consider LED's. As for lazy jacks, If you are replacing the main, I would suggest you consider using a dutchman system. I much prefer it over lazy jacks which are much less aerodynamic. A tides marine mast track is an excellent addition. It requires replacing the slides on the main, but it is worth it. The line halyards are an excellent idea. I did it some time ago and like them more than the wire/rope halyards. I added a track and slide to my mast for a whisker pole. I also added an eye up the mast to store it against the mast when not in use. I added a Forespar pole arrestor to the mast above the track to secure the pole. I moved my mainsheet track to the cabin top for the same reason. However, I enclosed the cockpit with a pilothouse (with solar cells as its roof), added a stern frame (with a third solar cell as its roof) connected with the pilothouse with a two layer bimini supported by cover bows. I made lee cloths to protect us from the sun, wind and rain (the forward side pannels of the pilot house open to allow warm air into the cockpit). If you want to see the above described modifications, you can visit my web site, ahsovereignty.com. By the way, I was a rigger for McMichael Yacht Yard, Mamaroneck, New York for the past 9 years. I am retired but starting my 27th year living aboard Sovereignty. David Hoyt Sovereignty Catalina 27 #65 ahsovereignty.com In a message dated 3/30/2010 10:03:36 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
I recently purchased an 84 C27 Standard Rig and have the mast down and would like some suggestions for improving the rigging. Please provide any insight on the following. Adding a mast eye for a whisker pole? Size needed - Source/cost? Lazy Jacks - worth the effort/investment? Halyards are external with wire should I change to all line and go internal? Source for new mainsail? Adding spinnaker crain and hardware now? Mainsheet configuration - traveler is on cabin? Anything else? Thank you, any help is appreciated - Joe
