4. The lower shrouds (4 of them) should be adjusted so that they are looser than the upper
shrouds. While at dock, they should have no slack, but no tension either. No lower
shroud, when pushed, should deflect the mast more than any other shroud when pushed
equally hard. If this cannot be achieved, the upper shrouds are too tight. Back off one
half turn at a time on the upper shroud turnbuckles until the tension on the lower
shrouds is brought into balance.
UNDER SAIL:
The object of fine tuning is to have the mast "in column" (not bent fore or aft or athwartships)
when sailing in conditions typical for your area. This is accomplished through adjustments to the
lower shroud turnbuckles. Here are some points to look for:
I. When sailing on port tack, sight up the mast from the base. If the middle (where the
spreaders are) is sagging to leeward, take up equally on both port lower shrouds until the
mast is in "in column". Repeat this procedure on starboard tack.
2. If, when sighting up the mast while on port tack, the middle is bent forward (but not to
leeward) take up a turn on the port aft lower shroud and let out a turn on the port
forward lower shroud turnbuckle. Reverse these adjustments if the middle of the mast is
aft of the "in column" position.
3. If a perfectly straight mast is not obtained, the mast head (top) may be curved aft and to
leeward. The mast head should never be "hooked" forward nor to weather.
All rigging wire used on yachts has a tendency to stretch, especially on a new yacht and after you
have sailed in heavier wind than you are normally familiar with. Therefore, you should
periodically check the tension on the shrouds and stays, tightening them up if it is required.
Rigging, as well as tuning, becomes all too important when setting up the mast. A
knowledgeable person should oversee the rigging and tuning so as to eliminate the possibility of
an eccentric load which might occur with an improperly loaded shroud. Special attention should
be given to the initial stretch of the shrouds and a further gradual stretch of the wire over the first ~
few hard outings.
MAINSAIL REEFING:
Reefmg should always be done before it becomes necessary. Some sailors use the rule of thumb
that the thought of reefing occurs to you, it is time to reef. Sailing at extreme angles of heel,
25 degrees or more, is not efficient, fast or comfortable.
Your Catalina is equipped with single line reefmg, for reefing the mainsail. The system consists
of a line tied around the boom and reeved through the cringles, internal boom sheaves, and
blocks as shown in the illustration. A second reef line may be installed in a like manner, but to the
opposite side of the boom, and led to the starboard side of the cockpit.
Tie a loop of line around the main boom with a bowline, through the cringles at the first reef and
into the boom on the starboard sheave. The line exists the starboard forward sheave and through
the cringle in the sail at the first reef. Lead the line to the turning block at the base of the mast,
through the organizer on the deck and through the sheet stopper to the winch on the port side.
REEFING PROCEDURE:
1. Take up the slack in the main boom topping lift.
2. East the mainsheet.
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