Spartite Vs Traditional wedges

[NYSail]

With my new boat, the broker "misplaced" the mast wedges. As a result, I have been looking into getting new. However, Spartite has been mentioned to me by a few people. I went onto the company web site and the product looks pretty good. Called a distributor for a price and got a quot of $190 for the large kit.Was wondering about any bodies experience with this. I am a cruiser that likes to go fast, however I do not change my rigging while out....at least not now (Relatively new to sailing 5+ years with own boat).GregP36-2

 

[Ariel]

Spartite vs. wedges

Greg,We installed Spartite in our P36-2 in 1995, as we started our border to border cruise (Mexico to Maine). I was tired of repositioning the wedges after each sail and we had creeking and moaning from the mast pressure at the partners. Spartite solved all problems and has been in ever since.Spartite will not make the mast sleeve watertite. You will still need the rubber sleeve or boot to keep water out.I think that you said that the mast was out when you purchased your boat. If so, I suggest that you wait untill you sail the boat for a season with the mast wedged to make sure the mast is positioned in the step where you want it. Once you pour the Spartite the mast will remain in that position unless you cut it off and spend another $190. You can remove and replace the mast each year if you install it properly, but you cannot reposition the mast.Note that Spartite was originally produced for the unstayed masts for Freedom and Nonsuch boats and was later put on the retail market. It obviously works.You said you could not find the mast wedges for your boat. What about the mast step blocks? Do you have them?Ariel

 

[NYSail]

Mast Step

Yes, I have the mast step blocks. It is just the wedges that are missing......so farGreg