spreader failure

[keith martinsen]

I have a Catalina 34 mkii std rig. The port spreader has forward and aft movement of about 2 inches at the outer end, the root end at the mast has a small gap at the aft end of the spreader about 1/8" . I can easily rock it forward and aft. The starboard spreader is solid.
Any suggestions why this has happened or ways to fix....

cheers Keith

 

[Stu Jackson]

Keith, you're liable to get more C34 specific answers on our C34IA Forum, here:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/board,11.0.html

Please join us there, too, many of us read both forums regularly. It's free, too.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Sounds like failure of the spreader base casting or clevis pins on port side, this web page has a diagram of the spreader bar and bases.
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/feature/184/spreader-bar-installation.cfm
There's additional stuff on this page that should help you diagnose the problem, the C34 Org. folks should be able to advise on repairs.
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/2871_774/spreader-barbrc-34-c-36.cfm