Canvas spreader boot

[DinghySailor]

Hello all,
I’m done with rubber spreader boots that are a pita to remove, retape. In my area (pnw) I’m starting to see spreader boots made of durable canvas. Have heard reports they’re easily removed for shroud inspection and drain water better than taped rubber. Any experience with these? Who makes them?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

My boat came with them. They were green with growth and I wasnt terribly confident that the elastic straps would hold it in place over a long period of time. I ditched them and went with rubber boots

 

[brazenarticle]

Waterline Design makes some nice leather spreader boots - Here they are on YouTube.

 

[degas]

Maybe you're using too much of the wrong tape?

I use plastic spreader boots like this one:

Brewers' Spreader Boot (Style 1) - Marine Outfitters

Discover the best Spreader Boots & Shroud Covers at Marine Outfitters at competitive prices

www.marineoutfitters.ca

And I fasten with an outdoor-friendly self-sealing rubber tape from the big box orange store. The tape sticks to the boot just enough to be useful but it's still easy to remove with a knife.

It's not obvious in the product photo but all three ends of the boot are slitted. I tape only the ends with a single band of tape, maybe 3-4 turns. Protects my sails, still sheds water, easy to install and remove.

I've had the same spreader boots for 5-6 seasons, the tape is always in good shape after every season.

 

[...3TacksontheWater]

Waterline Design makes some nice leather spreader boots - Here they are on YouTube.

+1 for Waterline. Much easier to install than the molded rubber. On my C-22 I use the small size.

George

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Maybe you're using too much of the wrong tape?

I use plastic spreader boots like this one:

Brewers' Spreader Boot (Style 1) - Marine Outfitters

Discover the best Spreader Boots & Shroud Covers at Marine Outfitters at competitive prices

www.marineoutfitters.ca

And I fasten with an outdoor-friendly self-sealing rubber tape from the big box orange store. The tape sticks to the boot just enough to be useful but it's still easy to remove with a knife.

It's not obvious in the product photo but all three ends of the boot are slitted. I tape only the ends with a single band of tape, maybe 3-4 turns. Protects my sails, still sheds water, easy to install and remove.

I've had the same spreader boots for 5-6 seasons, the tape is always in good shape after every season.

+1 for silicone "repair tape". It lasts many seasons without degredation in the Midwest. Self amalgamating electrical tape can fail after one season, depending on what it's made of. I hate the sticky residue of typical electrical tape

 

[DinghySailor]

I like silicone tape and use it for spreader tips. I’m after a cover that doesn’t use tape and facilitates drainage.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Just an FYI, they are not "just coming around". I have been aware of canvas spreader boots for decades.

 

[jssailem]

You might check with PT Sails in Port Townsend. https://www.ptsails.com
They have been working sails for many years. They may have a solution that works well in our Pacific NW weather for you.

 

[DinghySailor]

Understood. The ones I’m seeing-wish I had a picture—appear made of more durable fabric than sunbrella or the like. I do believe PT Sails makes them. I’m in the area so will check it out eventually and report.

Just an FYI, they are not "just coming around". I have been aware of canvas spreader boots for decades.

 

[jssailem]

Have examined the ones at Fisheries?

Spreader Boots - Boat Leather | Fisheries Supply

Save More on Your Boat Leather Spreader Boots at Fisheries Supply. Excellent Customer Service, Ready to Ship. Marine Supplies Since 1928!

www.fisheriessupply.com

 

[DinghySailor]

Pretty, not particularly easy to take off for shroud inspection and stitch back on on an annual basis.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Tape and crevice corrosion is where its at!

 

[Blitz]

I used to have the rubber ones, cracked severely. Switched to the Edson leather ones and been happy with those.

 

[Dalliance]

I stopped dealing with rubber spreader boots and rigging tape years ago. Switched to the low friction rolling spreader wheels that clamp on to the shroud just below the spreaders. They‘re made of white nylon or Delrin.