Re: catalina27-talk: mast track insert

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:26:13 -0700

I think Ralph is on to something here (we've all suspected that he's ON something, this is only slightly different). 

You don't need something that fits the track real nicely, only something that can be inserted into it.  With a tapped machine screw hole in it and an appropriately-short machine screw, you can basically mount the compass on a bar that rides on the outside of the sail track with holes above/below and slugs in the track (with the tapped holes) that screws go into (just like a sail stop).  This way it gets tightened up snug on the track, you can adjust the height to whatever you need, and you aren't drilling any holes in the mast.

In this case, small 'squares' of aluminum bar will do the trick.  You will need a tap and some bacon grease as well.  The bacon grease is for tapping the hole, OK?


Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: "Ralph E. Ahseln" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Jul 6, 2007 2:55 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: mast track insert

Bob,
 
Perhaps a Sail Stop Slug ?    See:  https://www.mariner-sails.com/partdetail.asp?id=24878
Used as a "platform" for a mounting strip ?
 
Also, Many hardware shops carry Anodized Aluminum rod.
And..  Fishing rod blanks of Carbon Fiber may work for you.
Maybe a call or email to On Line Metals...  See:  http://www.onlinemetals.com/
 
My question is ...  How are you planning to mount this ? Just curious.
 
UW
Ralph Ahseln
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 11:29 AM
Subject: catalina27-talk: mast track insert

Does anyone know where I can get some aluminum or stainless that will fit into the mast track on my '85?  I can cut it to the correct length but the width and thickness needs to match.

I bought a digital compass and it uses velcro to attach to the mast.  I would like to make a 3" long bracket that will slide in the mast track.  I would screw it into the track to hold it in place.

I made a prototype out of a metal bar from Lowes but that will rust.  I could paint it but I have concerns that the paint will scrape off when I slide it down the mast track and it will rust.

Thoughts?

Bob Mann

Reply via email to