Hunter 23 spreader boot size

[C Jones]

I ordered a new 135 Genoa from Gus Sails for my 1986 Hunter 23. This will fit my new CDI 2 roller furler already installed. I need to get some spreader boots on before it arrives. Without pulling up to the tower and trying to measure it can any one tell me what size to get. West Marine has a 1 1/2" x 1/2" for shrouds to 1/8". That is my guess from dock side. Can anyone make any further recommendations? I have turn buckle covers already. Thanks in advance. Charles

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

You may need to go up anyway. The h23 was sold with three different brands of mast. Mine has a FranceSpar which has a rounded plastic fitting at the end of the spreader, and which incorporates a "J" shaped bolt to capture and retain the stay. Properly snugged down the bolt is shrouded by the plastic fitting and does not contact the sail.
One suggestion, get a couple of pieces of adhesive backed sail cloth to put on your sail where it contacts the spreaders (making sure NOT to match the edges of the patches to each other). I did that with my 150% and it saves me a lot of worrying about wearing a hole in the sail.
Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[C Jones]

Jim, I climbed the tower and measured my spreaders. I could not find the manufacturers name on my mast but I have the wing type spreaders. I purchased the West Marine Small spreader boot #9113499 at one of our local stores and it fits well. I will look at putting the adhesive back tape on my new sail once I try it out. We have been having our usual fall thunder storms everyday and I have to wait to try it out. Thanks, Charles