Floppy Spreaders

Sep 7, 2014
11
Montego 20 Lake Keystone/Kaw
I've seen some dumb questions on here. Here's another. Are spreaders supposed to be ridgid, fixed fast to mast. I've seen adjustable systems, for racing I guess. Mine are loosy goosey. Ideas, opinons, care for a mint?
 
Feb 20, 2011
8,060
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
As long as the shrouds aren't slipping through the spreader tips, you should be just fine, I think.

When your shrouds are taut, do your spreaders still flop around?
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,492
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
The Mac26C has folding spreaders but I think it is for trailering convenience. BWY sells a rigid mount kit which I bought. Like justsomeguy says, they shouldn't be moving along the shrouds when there's tension.
 
Sep 7, 2014
11
Montego 20 Lake Keystone/Kaw
Thanx for the reply. Have not rigged it yet. I bet they will be tight then. I forgot all this stuff. It's been 15 years since I sailed and never did much trailering.
 

Kermit

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Jul 31, 2010
5,678
AquaCat 12.5 17342 Wateree Lake, SC
Although not your boat, the spreaders on my H23 looked like they could fall off when the mast was down. They tightened up nicely when the mast was up.
 
Sep 7, 2014
11
Montego 20 Lake Keystone/Kaw
Thank you for responding. I'll quit worrying about that and see how they do when she's all tightened up. Jo
 
Nov 9, 2008
1,338
Pearson-O'Day 290 Portland Maine
Mine are sort of loose. I wrapped the base with aluminum tape to take some play out. I THINK they were replace with 1" tube rather than a 1 1/16 extrusion. Even so, theywork fine.
 
Sep 7, 2014
11
Montego 20 Lake Keystone/Kaw
Mine are also Tubes. I'll consider the taping thing. Thanx for your Down East advice Maine. an Okie.
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,492
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
When you consider the forces on the shrouds and spreaders, I don't think tape will matter unless you just want to minimize the floppiness. These guys carry some hardware that might fit your boat and stabilize the spreaders if you are looking for it. I don't think it's a problem though if they are tight when upright.

http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/SparParts/Spreaders.html