Adjusting dolphin striker :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

Adjusting dolphin striker

catdan

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 25, 2008

Last visit: Aug 10, 2010

Posts: 91
Posted: Sep 23, 2009 - 07:13 AM

On my P18-2 there is less up and down play than the 1/4" described in the manual; all the same I thought of adjusting it a tad tighter.

However, the thing won't budge, tapping it with a hammer at the same time won't do it. The screw on the bottom cannot be removed either. Any suggestions?

I definitely want to avoid breaking the part as I'm in a remote location. Making a replacement out of bamboo and fishing line is not my favorite option Worse even if it should break off inside the thread of the mast base...

Thanks,
Dan
mma600psi

Rank: Mate

Registered: Mar 08, 2008

Last visit: Feb 05, 2017

Posts: 247
Posted: Sep 23, 2009 - 07:25 AM

I wouldn't touch it. Where are you?
catdan

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jul 25, 2008

Last visit: Aug 10, 2010

Posts: 91
Posted: Sep 23, 2009 - 07:35 AM

OK--won't touch it again for a while.

I'm in the Philippines, Subic bay. Wind is pretty ok; 6 to 8 knots nearly everyday between 11 am and 3pm.

Dan
MN3

Rank: Master Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: Apr 06, 2024

Posts: 7088
Posted: Sep 23, 2009 - 09:00 AM

Hi Dan, have you tried spraying it with PB Blaster or similar rust remover?

PS i had orders to Cubi Point in 1990 and was looking forward to all the mugunda women there.. but the base closing changed my plans.. i had many friends who were there, and many brought home wives...

Glad i didnt go... i would have gotten in alot of trouble at "adult Disneyland" and would have had to work my ass off with base closings.. I think it was much easier to just go to desert shield/storm :)
HULLFLYER

Rank: Mate

Registered: Aug 06, 2004

Last visit: Feb 24, 2024

Posts: 877
Posted: Sep 23, 2009 - 02:43 PM

Less than 1/4 inch play should be okay. When there is more play you have a chance of the front crossbar breaking. When the boat goes over waves or chop the mast weight and shroud tension all end up at the dolphin striker bar, and if there is too much play it could cause the front crossbar to fail. I have seen it happen before to a boat under sail. The mast went straight down, and the hulls without a crossbar to hold the front together were forced to spread out and ripped them from the rear crossbar, Not a pretty sight.