Spreader Boots

[Ralph18414]

I am in the process of commissioning the Morgan 415 Out Island I just acquired. I am having trouble finding spreader boots that are large enoug to fit. The spreader tip is v-shaped and has a slot at the tip in which the shroud wire sits. Moreover, the part of the v on which the boot would have to seat is rectangular with dimensions of ~ 5" x 1 1/4". Does anyone have any advice to offer?

 

[Scott]

Why is a boot really required?

For the past few years, I've captured the shroud with monel wire as is normal, but I've only wrapped the ends (bent back along the spreader) with rigging tape. The cap ends of the spreader, with the shroud and the monel wire are exposed and smooth and have left no marks on my genny.

Of course, inspection is required to ensure their is no corrosion occuring that would destroy the whole set-up, but I have found no need for a boot, especially since nobody seems to make any that fit my spreader.

 

[Ralph]

What you say is interesting.

I beleive that the slot in my spreader tips are deep enough that the seizing wire should never be snagged by the sail. The only thing that could abraid the sail is the v-shaped spreader tip. The shape of the spreader tip is such that it would take a huge ball of rigging tape to protect the sail. Maybe rollers alone would be adequate.

 

[Ross]

I think that the purpose of the seizing is to

keep the shroud in place when stepping the mast. Once the mast is stepped and the rigging is tightened the shrouds can't escape. If the spreader ends are smooth then there is little need to protect the sail if you lash the shroud with small stuff and not wire. I lashed the oak cross bars to the luggage racks in my car 14 years ago with polyester line and they are still perfectly sound.