Loose Spreader

[Brad]

I have an 87' C22. This past weekend I planned to step the mast, but as I was inspecting the boat I noticed that one of the spreaders was loose. Upon further inspection, I noticed that one of the spreader bracket's screws was missing and the other was very loose and unable to be tightened. I am wondering if these screws are typically screwed into threads tapped directly into the mast? Or, is there generally some form of nut? Also, any information on tightening the bracket or repairing this problem will be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Brad

 

[Randy]

lose screws

I recently found the same thing, the screws are taped into the mast, My fix, I'm planning on drilling clean the holes and running bolts throu the mast with acorn nuts on the other side....lets hope I dont mess something up in the progress,

 

[John Mangan]

Loose spreader solution

Hey Brad,  I have an '85 and bought the boat last summer and my spreader was loose and one of the screws was loose like yours. The previous owner had smacked the mast into some branches at the marina!! Anyway, I also discovered that there is a bolt that goes through the mast connecting the spreader brackets. The bolt was bent so I decided to replace it but when I went to take off the spreaders they were corroded in place and I had to order new spreaders and brackets from Cat. Direct. They also suggested that I use SS rivets instead of screws. You might want to use rivets they worked well for me. Good Luck. John Mangan

 

[Brad]

SS Rivets..I like that idea!

John,I like the idea of rivets. What type of rivets are these and where do you find them? I imagine since there isn't a way to get behind them they are a SS pop rivet? Is that correct?

 

[John M]

SS Pop rivets

Brad, Yes they are pop rivets. I bought the tool at Home Depot for about $20.00. I got the SS rivets from Catalina Direct when I ordered the spreaders and brackets. Remember if you change the brackets to put electrical tape between the SS brackets and the aluminum mast in order to prevent corrosion. I strongly recommend Catalina Direct's technical assistance line. They helped me alot.Good luck. John M