Rigging tape on spreaders

[Sailoff]

We have a 1986 Hunter 34. The mast was down this winter to rebed the wiring and we thought it would be a good time to redo the rigging tape on the spreaders. It looks like the previous owner used electrical tape which is dried, cracking and coming off.
Question 1: What is the purpose of the rigging tape?

Question 2: How do you put it on? It doesn't seem like there is much room on the end to attach the tape. Should it touch the shrouds? Or should we avoid touching the shrouds so they can move up and down through the spreaders for adjustment?

 

[Richard Bryer]

You do need to protect your sails from catching on the ends of the spreaders. I have cotter pins inthe ends of the thru pins that hold the shroud ends and they could do a very messy job on a sail. I have mine covered with "boots" that I made out of heavy vinyl ( actually it was vinyl baseboard-white-) and tape. I tape the boots on with electrical tape. Rigging tape probably works better but is more $$ and I take it off every year as we store masts down. If you have an old fender that makes good material for boots.

Only one shroud is continuous thru the lower spreader, I dont have it taped to the shroud so it can slide

 

[Guest]

Rigging tape

Our spreaders have manufactured rubber boots that help to protect against sail chafe. When our mast was down a few years ago for repairs I replaced the old original 1991 rigging tape with new. Yes, it does cost more than electrical tape, but it is self-vulcanizing, which makes a much better bond than the electrical tape adhesive. The tape that I installed in 2002 is still in good shape.

As I recall it was a matter of wrapping the tape beginning with the spreader, then crisscross around the boot. They make the boots in different sizes to fit your size boat. I suppose you can make your own, but I went with a branded product.

Terry Cox