Catalac 8M / 9M Mast Lowering Instructions
The Catalac 8M and the 9M have a tabernacle designed to raise and lower the mast. Chainplates are mounted at the pivot point and the procedure is both simple and convienent. Instructions follow:
1. Remove all Sails, The Mainsail Boom and the Mainsheet ( rope & Blocks )
2. Slot your 50mm Mast Lowering Boom into the base of the mast.
3. Wrap & Tie the forward end of your main Halyard to the eye at Front of Pole, Then lifting the pole so that it is horizontal & secure, tie the other end of the Mainsheet to a cleat on the lower part of the mast. For added security you can also connect the jib halyard in the same way.
4. Fit your mainsheet block and tackle to the other eye underneath the pole & then secure the other block to the Anchor Cleat, using good quality rope / Shackles ! Double up on these connections and make them strong & secure !
5. Shackle the s/s boom wires from the top eye of the mast lowering boom to the forward lugs on the port & starboard cap shroud stanchions.
6. Tie up all unused halyards, insert crutches into transom fittings.
7. Loosen off the tabernacle mast support Bolt / Nuts.
8. Slightly loosen the Cap Shrouds & the Lower Shrouds. Back Stays can be left alone. Loosen and Disconnect the Forestay & inner forestay.
9. If you have 3 persons position one on the mainsheet, to lower away and the other 2 at the port & starboard shrouds, to check sideways movement and tension.
10. The mast will need a bit of persuasion to get it started, but once underway Keep lowering nice and steady until in the crutches.
11. The mast can then be positioned & secured as required.
The reverse procedure can be used for lifting. The mainsheet can be led to a Winch to make the job easier.
