A really dumb question...

[Sean Herron...herrons@telus.net]

Hello,I just bought a 22 last week and still have not hanked on the jib, I sanded the toe rails two days ago and caught a miserable cold...by the way it goes really fast with a round bottom random orbital, and a very thin steel spatula...press the spatula up against the teak...sand away without burning thru gelcoat...I would like to go down today, but have been 'forbidden'...So I am just going to ask...will I need to install good spreader boots to the rig or does the jib not overlap so much as to rub against the spreaders much...I motored it over in fog....I am already turning into one of those non sailing tinkerboobs, but its bloody cold...Thanks in advance...JOKE...the most inexpensive way to experience sailing in Vancouver is to stand in a cold shower while tearing up 20 dollar bills....I am going back to bed...SH.

 

[MArk]

New life for old balls

Sean,Yes, you'll need speader boots eventually (and some rigging tape and baggywinkle). You can use old tennis balls for now.Happy sails _/),MArk

 

[Rich]

Depends On the Size of your Jib

Spreader boots (or tennis balls or nylon roller wheels) are a good idea in any event (i.e., in case you get better, bigger, newer sails that DO touch the spreaders) but are not necessary if your jib is small and will not reach that far back. What I'm trying to say is that the answer to your question (which is NOT really dumb) depends on what size jib you have--I have three different jibs: a small storm jib (about 70%) that does not touch the spreaders; a 110% jib that does and a 155% jib that most definitely does. More than likely your jib will touch those spreaders and, as such, the boots are a good idea--but not necessarily.Happy Sailing (& stay out of that shower with the cash)Rich (in New Orleans)s/v TIME BANDIT1975 O'Day 22

 

[MArk]

Boots for both

Sean,The spreader boots are not there just to protect the jib but also to protect the main. When sailing downwind the mainsail can rub against the spreader ends causing serious damage if there are sharp edges.Happy sails _/),MArk