Last year I rebuilt the mast step and the base of the mast compression post in the keel sump of my 1975 Catalina 27. In the process of removing the compression post I had to lift the cabintop with a jack. When I finished the step it was a little raised up from the rest of the deck. The end result was that the mast step was tilted forward a bit and the step was raised up. The rigger who raised my mast last year added a D shackle at the base of the backstay because it was too short after my repair, but the mast remained tilted forward.
This year I fabricated a shim to level the mast step. It didnt really work, and the mast is still slightly raked forward. I believe this is because I have raised the whole mast step and the backstay has been lengthened, but the furler has not been lengthened.
The furler is a harken mkIII. I believe I can adjust it to lengthen it but I am not sure. I suspect that the amount it can be lengthened is not enough, however. Also, the forward lower turnbuckles are extended to the maximum.
The upshot of this is, to rake the mast back, I will need to extend the forward lowers and the forestay. What is the best way to achieve this? Would D shackles be safe? If so, what diameter? I do not want this mast to come down while daysailing with the wife and kids! Thanks.
This year I fabricated a shim to level the mast step. It didnt really work, and the mast is still slightly raked forward. I believe this is because I have raised the whole mast step and the backstay has been lengthened, but the furler has not been lengthened.
The furler is a harken mkIII. I believe I can adjust it to lengthen it but I am not sure. I suspect that the amount it can be lengthened is not enough, however. Also, the forward lower turnbuckles are extended to the maximum.
The upshot of this is, to rake the mast back, I will need to extend the forward lowers and the forestay. What is the best way to achieve this? Would D shackles be safe? If so, what diameter? I do not want this mast to come down while daysailing with the wife and kids! Thanks.