Spreader base replacement on a 27

[Scott May]

Is it possible to replace the alumnium spreader bases on a 27 mast without stepping the mast, or am i just dreaming? It seems to me that the lower shrouds and the fore and aft stays should handle the weight of a light weight person hauled only half way up the mast, without the mast flexing and breaking.

 

[GARRY @ S/V TASHTEGO]

No

Since you will have to undo all of the lowers to replace the spreader base you will be up there with only the uppers and the fore and back stays. The replacement looks simple but can be difficult. My thru bolt was frozen in the compression tube inside the masy and took a lot of work, a lot of penetrating oil and a good sized hammer to get the bolt out. Not a lot of fun in a bosun's chair. I wouldn't do it (I didn't do it). Unstep the mast.

 

[Dave]

Spreader Base Replacement

I replaced my spreader base last weekend without stepping the mast. I got an extension ladder and secured it on the bottom with lines to the lifeline stantions and mast base and ran the top up to about spreader height. I then ran the main and jib halyards to either side of the boat and secured the ends to the toe-rail- this gave some side support to the mast. Then I loosened the for and aft stays as well as loosening the main stays so the spreader bar would push out. Absolutely no problems of any kind. I found the tubes that were sent with the upgrade kit a bit short, but put them in as shown on the diagram. Everything worked well, except I forgot to caulk around the new base...Next day redid the ladder and accomplished that little job. After admiring my fine work I did notice that the spreaders seem to point upward a bit more that the old cast aluminum base did. I have not yet retuned the stays, but will do that this weekend and hopefully the upward spreaders will allow the jib to be sheeted a bit more inboard and help my pointing problem..My boat has a hard time pointing properly when racing other boats. Cheers DAVE and good luck...