Miscellaneous

Catalina Direct Discussion Topics / Catalina 22 Discussion Area / Miscellaneous / Holding up the pop-top
 
 
Author Holding up the pop-top
Jim Seal
Marshfield, MA

Boat Name: The Cure

Model/Year: 1991 Catalina-22

Hull No. CTHY520GB191

Hailing Port: Duxbury, MA
07/24/2004 12:49 AM Pacific Time

How do most C-22 sailors with a pop-top keep this heavy piece raised while at anchor? If I try to push the pop-top up and as far forward as possible (after unhooking the cunningham from the base of the mast), the pop-top support bars are still not quite vertical when the pop-top bumps into the mast. I don't feel comfortable using this great feature for fear of the top coming down on me or a family member, and I'd rather not continue squashing fenders to keep the top up...
Michael Smalter
Webster, NY

Boat Name: Marrakesh

Model/Year: 1986

Hull No. 13645

Hailing Port: Rochester, NY
07/24/2004 9:25 AM Pacific Time

You should have a pop-top dog that slides in the mast slot. Push the poptop against the mast, slide the dog up until it hooks the front of the pop-top, then tighten the knurled nut.

If you use the pop top alot, get the gas struts. They are easy to install, make it much easier to raise the poptop, and help keep it up (still use the dog though).
Bilbo
Youngstown, Ohio

Boat Name: Sea Dog

Model/Year: Catalina 22 1987

Hull No. 13971

Hailing Port: Andover, Ohio
10/14/2005 2:47 AM Pacific Time

I have had some luck holding up the pop-top with bungee chords while at port. First, I raise the pop-top and fasten with the mast lock. I use two bungees for safety. I fasten one to the area at the top of the forward strut and around the mast to the other side's fastener dog. Reverse for the other bungee. I don't have the length of the chord but about 24".
I will try to have a photo soon of the bungee arrangement but these photos show my wife looking out from undeneath the pop-top shortly before it fell. Luckily, she was not in the way.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/Bilbo_Baggins/Sailing/IMG_1895s.jpg[/IMG]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/Bilbo_Baggins/Sailing/IMG_1895s.jpg
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/Bilbo_Baggins/Sailing/IMG_1894s.jpg[/IMG]
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v353/Bilbo_Baggins/Sailing/IMG_1894s.jpg
So as not to confuse things, the 4 pop-top dogs are what you use to lock the pop-top shut. The mast-lock is the device on the mast (if it's there) to lock up the top from falling.Personally from experience, I don't trust it to keep locked.
Michael Smalter
Webster, NY

Boat Name: Marrakesh

Model/Year: 1986

Hull No. 13645

Hailing Port: Rochester, NY
10/14/2005 4:10 PM Pacific Time

I agree the small plastic nut on the pop-top mast holder is weak. However the aluminum hook that captures the front edge of the pop-top is sturdy. For safety I got a mast slide stop (knurled big metal nut), and slid it up right underneath the pop-top holder. Much more reliable.

P.S. I installed the gas struts a few years ago. They are medium difficulty to install, but do a very nice job.
 
 
Miscellaneous
Catalina Direct Discussion Topics / Catalina 22 Discussion Area / Miscellaneous / Holding up the pop-top