spreader issues

[Dave19333]

I have a h23 85 with a Kenyon mast. Last weekend I was sailing in heavy conditions with 25 knot winds and 4-5 foot swells. The boat was sailing great, until we tacked. I notices the leeward long stay popped off the spreader. We quickly lowered the sails and motored until we could loosen both stays and get both side back on the spreaders. We tighen them down to 600 lbs of tension each and sailed without any other incedent. My question is can you tape the stay on the spreader, or boot it? Has anyone else had this happen? My guess is that we were in a storm the week before and it may have looened the shrouds enough. Dave

 

[Steve677]

Boots...

There are boots on my spreaders. I don't know if that's the way it came from the factory but that's how they are on my H23. I used a Lose gauge to tighten mine to 600 lbs as well. Even then, when in heavy air and a gust heals her over to 20 or 30 I notice the outer leeward shroud seems too slack. After reading your story I think I'll add another 100 lbs of tension.

 

[Hunter 23 303]

Yes the spreaders should be taped.

Yes, absolutely they should be taped. You don’t need to put those ugly spreader boots on, just get a roll of that really stretchy rigging tape that only sticks to it’s self. Then tape up the spreader ends, this not only will keep the shrouds from coming off, it will protect your Genoa when it rubs across the spreader ends.