cant attatch lower shrouds

[Soundtrackzz]

Hey guys. I have a new (to me) catalina 22. I raised the mast, got the backstay and fore stay adjusted. The upper and aft lower went on fairly easy. But for the life of me i cant get both fore lowers attatched at the same time. I can get one or the other but never both at the same time. Ive loosened all the shroud turnbuckles as far as i could but it just wont reach. I know it can be done because the mast was up when i bought it and the previous owner was about 70. If he can find a way to get it done then theres got to be a way for me to do it. Any advice is greatly appreciated

[sabray]

What if you release the aft lowers and ease off the backstay.. Can you get the forwards on.

[Stumble]

First double and tripple check that the mast step is exacally in the right place. Off by an inch at the base is a huge alignment problem at the top (or midway up).

Once you confirm this is correct, loosen up all the shrouds, and take off the backstay or make sure it is really loose.

If that doesn't work get one side attached, then use a halyard to pull the mast over to the other side. This shouldn't be necessary, and indicates the rigger made the shrouds to tight, but it isn't worth replacing a shroud over.

[Blue Stocking]

have you got lowers reversed?

[SkiprJohn]

If you've tried everything then look for some appropriate sized toggles to install. You don't want to be at your extended limit on the turnbuckles and you don't want an overly tight rig.
kind regards,

[Danosimp3]

check the rake of the mast by attaching a plum-bod or weight to a free hanging halyard. The weight should be only a couple inches aft of the trailing edge of the mast. If it is more, then your backstay is too tight. Loosen all the stays and shrouds and try again.

[Ex-Calif]

This is a club with rigging instructions for members on their website.

Looks like forestay and forward lowers get attached first...

http://keoweeadventurecenter.com/Cat...s%20Manual.htm

[ozskipper]

Check for kinks in the rigging up the mast, If one stay is kinked and/or locked sideways the whole rig will be out.