C310 Spreader boots, cleaning and masthead maintenance?

Tally Ho · Jan 9, 2023

CowboyWay said:
I have my mast down this winter for general maintenance and have the spreaders at home to clean up. I'm curious what folks use for that? The tape goo seems to be coming off slowly with goo-gone.
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I'm also looking to replace the boots that go over the spreader tips. The original ones look like they never were the right size. See pics attached. I was thinking maybe the leather velcro ones would fit better like these? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WXS9C49?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_YN33WRH1TZGR9MRJW8QV
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I know CD sells the leather kits you lace up, but since the boat yard will be stepping the mast without my presence, I wanted to keep things simple.

Any other maintenance recommended while the mast is down? Standing rigging is fine. Halyards still have a few years left in them. The boat is fresh water only. Not sure its worth replacing the mast mounted lights with LED since I don't really sail at night? VHF coax looks fine and the antenna and windex are fairly new.

The powered TV antenna works fine, but is showing signs of UV damage. Not sure there are replacements for this model of antenna (see pic)?
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thanks!

Was that TV antenna mounted up high on the mast? I have one just like it, but I keep it stored on the cabin with a long length of cable… when I am off grid (no cable TV), I just lay it on the deck.

I wonder how much better my reception would be if I raised it up on the mast?

Greg

Ralph Johnstone · Jan 9, 2023

CowboyWay said:
Not sure its worth replacing the mast mounted lights with LED since I don't really sail at night?

What about replacing the anchor light ? There's a good 10± AH per night to be saved when on the hook.

Project_Mayhem · Jan 9, 2023

If you have bushing based sheaves in your masthead, adding some grease will work wonders

Clydo · Jan 10, 2023

Tally Ho said:
Was that TV antenna mounted up high on the mast? I have one just like it, but I keep it stored on the cabin with a long length of cable… when I am off grid (no cable TV), I just lay it on the deck.

I wonder how much better my reception would be if I raised it up on the mast?

Greg

Wonder where could get antenna like that?Haven' had much luck with others.

Clyde Thorington
C310 #245
I LEANTOO
San Jose, CA

JBP-PA · Jan 11, 2023

Goo-gone, soap/car wash and water are all I would use. Any abrasive to clean the spreaders will remove some of the anodizing and oxidation that protects the aluminum underneath.
You can use whatever spreader boots make you happy. Lots of people like the traditional leather look, some like the simplicity of the plastic boots.
Do make sure your spreaders are reattached to the shrouds securely and at the correct angle, tilted slightly upward to bisect the angle of the shroud.

LakeOntario270 · Jan 12, 2023

JBP-PA said:
Goo-gone, soap/car wash and water are all I would use. Any abrasive to clean the spreaders will remove some of the anodizing and oxidation that protects the aluminum underneath.
You can use whatever spreader boots make you happy. Lots of people like the traditional leather look, some like the simplicity of the plastic boots.
Do make sure your spreaders are reattached to the shrouds securely and at the correct angle, tilted slightly upward to bisect the angle of the shroud.

Go to an auto parts store paint department and buy some 3M adhesive remover.

2 OLD PIRATES · Jan 15, 2023

I've been using good old acetone on the spreaders. Works well. Every so often I use a buffing paste to bright up the aluminum.

JBP-PA · Jan 16, 2023

CowboyWay said:
I haven't opened mine up yet, but I'm curious if others were able to simply replace the bulb with a LED module if so do they have a specific part in mind?

Yes, you can get LED bulbs to replace most every old style bulb. Marinebeam.com will have it. Amazon will have cheap ones too, but for an anchor light, your better off with the higher quality ones.