Eyes and Hooks on Mast?

[Eric in Seattle]

Ok here is a new Sun Cat post to keep things going.

I've been going through my new 2008 Sun Cat daysailer getting it ready for my first sail.  Today, I pulled the boat out of the garage to put up the mast and rig the sail on the boom and gaff.  I practiced raising it, reefing it, using the lazy jacks and a topping lift.  Also installed a downhaul for the gaff as was suggested somewhere in this forum.

Now for my question; I noticed an eye with a small hook below mounted on both the port and starboard sides of the mast.  They are located just above the hinge point and have no idea what they are for.  Any insight would be appreciated.

[capt_nemo]

Eric,

A photo would be most helpful in determining the purpose of "eyes and hooks" on both port and starboard sides of the mast just above the hinge point.

The only hook I have is the one on the boom gooseneck that is used for the "new" mainsail tack when reefing. (Not used - like others changed tack reefing system on my Sun Cat)

capt_nemo

[Eric in Seattle]

I've taken a picture and now have to figure out how to post it since it doesn't appear that I can copy and paste it directly into my reply but need to open a photobucket account first.  I have the large reefing hook as well.  The hook that I am talking about is about the size of the eye that is immediately above it.  I'm now thinking that the previous owner may have installed these as a way to secure his lazy jack system, when not in use (one on each side of the mast).  Anyway, I will post a picture shortly as soon as I figure out the photobucket thing.

[capt_nemo]

Eric,

A means to temporarily secure the Lazy Jacks makes sense.

capt_nemo

[Eric in Seattle]

Here's the photo of the mast detail and one of my boat.  Thanks for the instructions on how to post photos!

[capt_nemo]

Eric,

First of all, VERY NICE LOOK'IN SUN CAT!

Second, nice photos - worth a thousand words.

Finally, looking at the photo it sure looks like you're right about temporary securing of Lazy Jacks. Unless, of course, it dawns on 'ya that they could be used for a different purpose!

In purchasing the Daysailer you obviously value having a lot of seating area available for guests and crew. Well, here is an idea for secure storage for small items and beverages in the "dead space" underneath the tiller swing.

Installed securely without drilling any holes in the boat or altering the boat's structure in any permanent way! (so far ALL my mods meet this criteria)

[Eric in Seattle]

Thanks Capt Nemo.  I have admired your modifications long before I joined CPYOA; I was actually thinking of making this storage cabinet after seeing your steering wheel modification, which contains a similar base.  I also agonized on the teak oil vs. varnish decision and finally decided on Cetol based on your recommendation.  I'm glad I did because it produced a much nicer and durable finish than teak oil but was/is so much easier to apply and maintain than varnish.  I went with the teak color, which created a dark brown finish.

[capt_nemo]

Eric,

Although the wheel steering worked flawlessly I didn't like it - too much tiller instinct ingrained in the last several years!

The storage box in the photo IS, in fact, the wheel steering shaft box, which I cut down to fit under the tiller. Had to salvage at least a portion of the many hours spent in designing and fabricating. It fits very well and will certainly get plenty of use.

Glad you like the Cetol.

capt_nemo

[steve brown]

It is my opinion that the hooks were part of the Sailcare lazy jack system. I had that system on Nunki but changed it to a system used on most catboats. I think my hooks are still in place however. Steve

[Eric in Seattle]

Thanks Steve, yes I think you are correct.  I did some research on the Sailcare lazy jack system and can see that this is what is on my boat.  It appears that the Sailcare lazy jack system utilizes bungees on the lower part of the system.  These are designed to be easily removed from the boom and attached to the mast when not in use.  Mystery solved!