Spreader Location on Mast

[DaleB]

I am working on a '68 Venture 21 and have bought new spreader bases, spreaders (1" dia. x 24" long) and tips from Blue Water Yachts. The previous owner installed a very small/flimsy set of spreaders at 17' from the bottom of the mast which seems too high. What is the correct distance from the bottom of the mast where the spreaders should be installed on a mast that is 24' long/tall. If more information is need, let me know.

 

[DaleB]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have seen several photo of Venture 21's with and without spreaders at sailingtexas.com (i.e. www.sailingtexas.com/cboats99venture21.html.) If installed, is there a ratio they are to be located on the mast (i.e. 2/3 of the way up the mast?)

 

[Joe]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have seen several photo of Venture 21's with and without spreaders at sailingtexas.com (i.e. www.sailingtexas.com/cboats99venture21.html.) If installed, is there a ratio they are to be located on the mast (i.e. 2/3 of the way up the mast?)

Dale... I just removed that post because I saw so many different configurations.... anyway, I found this owner's manual for you: http://macgregorsailors.com/manuals/Mac21_22_25_Manual.pdf Look on page four and there is some info on rigging the spreaders. If you notice, the spreader bracket also supports the mast terminals of the lower shrouds. If you move the spreaders higher you may have to lengthen the lowers. Also note that the spreader end bisects the cap shrouds (uppers) so that the angle above and below are the same. This is what determines the correct spreader position and should guide you in proper placement.

 

[DaleB]

Thanks Joe for the information!

 

[Freedom77]

Dale, Curious, are there already holes drilled in the mast for the spreader brackets? My old 21, 1966? didn't have spreaders. Go Aggies. Fair Winds and Full Sails....

 

[DaleB]

Dale, Curious, are there already holes drilled in the mast for the spreader brackets? My old 21, 1966? didn't have spreaders. Go Aggies. Fair Winds and Full Sails....

Yes, there was but I am not sure if the previous owner drilled the holes or they were drilled by the manufacturer. The holes were install approximately 17' from the bottom of the mast. After temporarily installing the spreader brackets at this location, I decided they were high up the mast. I have since re-installed the new spreader brackets at 12' from the bottom of the mast based on the owner's manual referenced by Joe and the instructions that came with the spreader brackets.

 

[Sparman USA]

Hi Dale, have you fitted the spreaders yet? I have built masts for 25 years and with any single spreader rig as a rule you fit them 1/2 way between the deck and the forestay height. On double spr its 36% and 69% again from deck to forestay heigth. Hope that helps.
Julian

 

[DaleB]

Hi Dale, have you fitted the spreaders yet? I have built masts for 25 years and with any single spreader rig as a rule you fit them 1/2 way between the deck and the forestay height. On double spr its 36% and 69% again from deck to forestay heigth. Hope that helps.
Julian

Yes, I fitted the spreaders and they are 1/2 between the deck and forestay. They look and work great. Thanks for the additional information regarding the double spreaders.