Spreader Question -- Need Some Help

[Mike]

O'Day 27 (1977) My Starboard Spreader has play in it -- it moves fore and aft. It is more than normal play (like in the past) and definitely more than the port spreader -- I have watched it during various points of sail -- it doesn't seem to pose any threat -- what should I do?The only clue I have is that the marina reversed the normal position of the spreaders -- I only noticed because the flag halyard used to be on the starboard side.

 

[Steve G]

Spreaders

As you probably know, that spreader works in unison with the opposite one to reduce the compression load on the center of the mast. It seems to me it does pose a threat. It could be the spreader itself, or the bracket that fixes it to the mast. Coming about can put alot of stress on a faulty rig. If you lose it while underway, you'll have no tension on that side above the lower shrouds, assuming you have them. That could be a big deal. If you can't get up there yourself, you'd better have it looked at.