how hard on spreader and shrouds

[bruce]

Have been sailing for several years on a 23.5. I am reluctant to allow the main to lay hard on spreader and shrouds when running or sailing wing and wing. Am I being unnecessarily concerned? Please advise.Cheers!BruceS/VCherokee Lullaby

 

[Ray Bowles]

Bruce, On our H26 I have padded the spreader

end T's and wrapped the shrouds with white plastic tubing that West Marine sells. As long as I can lay the main on these pieces without it flapping or moving I do so. This is done on runs etc. and I always rig a preventer when rigged to run. The crew at the loft we take our sails to yearly advised us that this was ok. They said the cause of sail damage is from the sail riding up and down on the shrouds or slapping on the spreader ends. It causes holes to wear thru. With the full battens in our main it lays over very nicely.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Sean Coerse]

Sail Chafe

I have a H240 and the Main that came with the boat had a Patch sewn on where it contacts the spreaders. I race in a non spinaker class and often sail wing and wing with a whisker pole. When I do I ease the main out on to the spreader and tighten the boom vang so that the sail rub up and down excessively. My Doyle main does not show any wear and it's got 3 FULL seasons on it.