Spreaders & Compression Post Idiocy

LakeShark · Jan 23, 2018

Trent Lindsey said:
Also, whilst removing teak parts for refinishing today, a well intentioned helper, following poor guidance from the skipper (that would be me), busted the top of my compression post where the bolt comes into it through the tabernacle. I don't see a replacement available on Catalina Direct. Any advice?

I will let others weigh in on the leather vs rubber boots as I have only had the rubber ones and have wondered which is better myself.

For a compression post you might find one on eBay cheaper than you can make one.

With regard to your pictures. At the mast attachment it looks like old duct tape and rigging tape. The spreader should slide freely into the bracket and is secured with a single bolt that goes through from top to bottom. If you have the tech manual there are great pictures of the attachments at both ends of the spreader and the original drawings.

Going forward I would remove all the old tape, boots, etc. and start fresh. That way you can see what was previously covered up. After all the spreaders are a crucial part of your rig and should not be missing any pieces, hardware, etc. All the mast hardware is avaible from various vendors should you find something broker or missing.

Joe · Jan 24, 2018

The condition of the frayed duct tape on the spreaders is a good illustration of its poor weather resistance. Use rigging tape next time.. The rubber spreader boots are long gone, looks like a previous owner tried to extend their life with two sided rigging tape... which is much more weather resistant than duct tape.
On a boat where the mast is designed to drop easily... there is really no reason for letting either of those conditions shown in your pics to develop because they are very easy to inspect and maintain... as opposed to a boat with a fixed mast that would require some climbing. The damage shown in the picture of your spreader boots is caused by the shrouds moving around a lot when the mast is being stepped or taken down. So you will have to pay attention to them on a regular basis, no matter what type of boots you choose.

LakeShark · Jan 24, 2018

Compression post:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Catalina-2...ash=item234ff2cc34:g:18oAAOSwBLlVQPvp&vxp=mtr

Also there are a couple of people parting out C22s on the facebook group. Likely you'll find a better price and less for shipping there. It's not a common part people want so often their scrapped with the boats so one will come along shortly I am sure.

LakeShark · Jan 24, 2018

This is the company that is soon to be parting out a number of C22s. I would try them before I paid the high ebay price.

http://sailboatwreckingyard.com/

CloudDiver · Jan 24, 2018

I have a compression post and the trim ring if you are interested.
The tape of the spreader inboard bracket is just stupid... trying to keep water out to prevent corrosion, but duct tape breaks down in UV pretty fast. Best protection for aluminum spreaders is a healthy coat of tef-gel. You could also drill a tiny hole in the bottom of the spreader bracket tube to allow water to drain.
For spreader boots, I'd go with leather. the Edson leather boots are a rip-off at $80. Pretty easy to get some craft leather, make a pattern, and sew them on yourself. I had a pattern that I downloaded off Google images somewhere, I'm pretty sure if you toyed with some scrap material you could tweek the pattern size.

Will Gilmore · Jan 25, 2018

Lowes and other stores like them, sell stair and railing parts exactly like that compression post. https://m.lowes.com/pd/Waddell-Pine-End-Table-Leg-Actual-2-25-in-x-29-in/3042568

$14.98

- Will (Dragonfly)

lillia28 · Jan 25, 2018

Google Sailmakers leather. There are several places selling it at about $8.00 a sq. ft. That what the Edson spreader boots are made of. A compression post is just that, a post. Depending on how fussy you are you can cut a few inches off yours and splice in a spacer, or have a custom made teak and titanium post, functionally they are equal.

CloudDiver · Jan 25, 2018

Trent Lindsey said:
Thanks for the responses. CloudDiver, I do have some scrap leather laying around. I'll see what I can make up. Worst case, I'll order them from Catalina Direct and make a pattern future repairs. I wish I would have thought of that Will before I order a used compression post off of eBay last night!

I wouldn't go for that Lowe's leg table... it's a softwood, and its no long enough. A trip to any lumber-yard would be better, a simple 3x3 to 4x4 of hardwood... take your pick of species. Who cares if its not rounded? A square or rectangle piece would fit better anyway, just use a 1/2 inch bull-nose (round-over) bit on a router. I made my compression post from stainless steel, cost me less than $30, but not everyone here has a TIG welder laying around. I also burned my gel-coat just a little doing the tack welds. Anyway, just keep in mind there is a very slight angle at the top of the post.
I have a .pdf of the spreader boot pattern somewhere.... I think its saved in an email somewhere. If I can find it, I'll post it for everyone.

Will Gilmore · Jan 25, 2018

CloudDiver said:
I wouldn't go for that Lowe's leg table... it's a softwood, and its no long enough.

There are similar samples in longer and shorter lengths as well as oak and other hardwoods. However, Eastern White Pine has a longitudinal compression strength somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 lbs/sqr. inch. It is also long lasting and more rot resistant than many hardwoods. But you are right, any piece of wood or metal of the appropriate size would do. Round would not be a necessity.

-Will (Dragonfly)

kbgunn · Jan 31, 2018

CloudDiver said:
I have a .pdf of the spreader boot pattern somewhere.... I think its saved in an email somewhere. If I can find it, I'll post it for everyone.

I just acquired some new leather spreader boots. I attached a pdf you can use as a pattern if so desired. Double sided tape helps hold the boot in place on the spreader tube whilst sewing with the waxed twine. Good luck!

little breeze · Feb 1, 2018

great tips thank you guys I'm in need of spreader boats too, so mat I ask does the leather hold up to uv better than rubber?Catalina direct can be pretty rough with prices 80 sounds a lot just for spreader boats

Gene Neill · Feb 1, 2018

I'm not impressed with my plastic boots. They get the job done, but the pearly-white newness wears off fast, and I don't like what they look like so soon. When I replace them, I'm going to give leather a try.

SV_GALATEIA · Feb 2, 2018

$80 does sound rough from CD, but they are about the same on Amazon. I have bought items from CD that i could get other places with the thought that if i support CD, they may still be around when i need that unique item.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...eader+boots&rh=i:aps,k:Leather+Spreader+boots

Will Gilmore · Feb 2, 2018

Take a look at a much cheaper option that could add a little bit of radar visibility to your rig.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Scotchlite-Reflective-Tape/?N=5002385+3293242016&rt=rud
Here's a review article that tests radar reflexivity.
https://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/33_11/features/Boat-Reflective-Tape-and-Radar_5530-1.html
Cut a foam noodle or pipe insulation and wrap it in 3M Reflexive Tape.

- Will (Dragonfly)

Spreaders & Compression Post Idiocy

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