I have crack in the metal spreader that holds the standing rigging away from the mast. I know this will need to be fixed at some point, but is it something that needs to be fixed right away? We are only doing coastal day sails.
Cracked Spreader
- Thread starter jefft23
- Start date
Even while sitting on your slip the tension on your standing rigging puts your spreaders under huge tension. While sailing, even more.
I have not seen the crack, but if it is significant, it's not safe to be around while at the dock.
I have not seen the crack, but if it is significant, it's not safe to be around while at the dock.
There is actually a compression load on the spreader. The force of the shroud on the tip of the spreader is actually directed toward the mast. Think of a bow and arrow...
It is certainly not an item to take a risk with. It might be possible to weld the crack, but it would be a lot easier to replace the spreader. More than likely, the mast will have to come down anyway.
It is certainly not an item to take a risk with. It might be possible to weld the crack, but it would be a lot easier to replace the spreader. More than likely, the mast will have to come down anyway.
Jeff, you NEED to fix it immediately, the guys are right. Is this a single spreader rig? It could well be that it can be done with the mast up. If you're a DIY you could do it, but getting a rigger to do it would be easier, ITWMB that's what I'd do.
Of course, good catch. Somewhere between the brain and the hands that 2nd tension slipped in where compression was supposed to be!
Attached is the best picture I have of the crack. The reason I asked the original question is because I was told by the person working on the boat that it was more cosmetic than a safety problem.
I think I'd have to replace it and try to figure out why it cracked in the first place. Otherwise every time the wind pipes up I'd worry myself to death about it.
I'd at least have my rigger look at it, but I'm pretty sure what his answer would be.
I'd at least have my rigger look at it, but I'm pretty sure what his answer would be.
The photo of the crack seems to show that it is at the root attachment point to the mast cross piece. It could possibly be caused by the the force of the shroud on the spreader not being even. Do you recall whether the spreaders had either a downward or upward angle to the mast? Theoretically, the spreader should be horizontal and perpendicular to the mast. Any upward or downward force at the tip of the spreader would be multiplied at the root of the spreader extrusion and might cause a stress crack through the upper or lower section of the extrusion. Because it appears to be at the root of the spreader, it could very possibly be welded. In general, welds are stronger than the base metal anyway. The spreader would have to be removed to weld it, and you would have to be aware of possible heat distortion which would make it difficult to re-install. just my opinion.
I still think if it was mine, I would replace it. Also check the other spreader to determine whether it is showing symptoms of the same type of cracking.
I still think if it was mine, I would replace it. Also check the other spreader to determine whether it is showing symptoms of the same type of cracking.
Thanks for all the input. Our boat was damaged during hurricane Sandy and I'm assuming that's when the spreader cracked. Although, it could have happened prior.
We are going to have both spreaders replaced. At the very least it will give us some piece of mind.
We are going to have both spreaders replaced. At the very least it will give us some piece of mind.