Spreader to Shroud Connection Hardware?

[Herb]

What is on the end of a spreader that holds the shroud, or what is on the shroud that attaches to the spreader? Mine just came loose and I now have an aluminum spreader with a molded plastic end that has a notch for the shroud. The shroud has a white rubber boot that holds whatever attaches to the spreader. Everything is up in the air and I would like to know how it all goes together before I find a way to get up to the spreader to fix it. What is it and where do I get a replacement part if needed? O'day 26Thanks, Herb

 

[Tom s/v GAIA]

Sounds like you have it all,

slip the shroud into the notch on the end of the spreader, slip the white rubber boot over the end of the spreader. The shroud passes through the boot, a wrap or two of rigging tape holds the boot on the spreader, and your good to go.;DTom s/v GAIA

 

[mike]

Might have to drop the mast

You may need to drop your mast. The shroud fits into a notch at the end of the spreader. Some boats, like my Catalina 22 have a wire spring like part inside of the end of the spreader to secure the shroud. After you've reattached the shroud, replace the rubber spreader boot. You can now raise your mast and tighten the rigging. Best to remove the other spreader boot first and see how the shroud is attached on that side. Don't sail the boat while the shroud is un-attached.

 

[James19955]

If in doubt - dont sail until you're sure

Herb - if there is any doubt about the quality of this "union" do not go out. I speak from experience of sorts. If the shroud comes off the spreader and you are under sail the probability is that the mast will come down is almost 100%! I experienced this and it wasn't pretty - great learning opportunity but scared the %^$* (you know what) out of us.On the O'Day 23 - the spreader has a small hole through it at the end where the shroud attaches. This for a stainless steel wire. The assembly process for the shroud is1) place shroud in the slot in the spreader2) loosely wrap stainless steel wire around the shroud - I start under the spreader.3) Pass the wire through the hole in the spreader to the other side4) Loosely wrap the stainless steel wire around the shround.You will have now made a kind of "clamp" which will keep the shroud in the slot at the end of the spreader.Make sure that the shroud can move up and down through the end of the spreader - that is - the wire wrapping does not stop the shroud from sliding up and down - it needs to do this so that you can tighten the shroud at the chainplate.Now attach the rubber boot and tape with white tape.I hope this makes sense - I can see it in my mind but ... a drawing/sketch would be easier.I'm sorry I do not remember exactly how the spreaders attach to the mast - I think there are a couple of through bolts - There is a filler piece in the mast to help carry, or support, the load rather than the mast compressing at this point.If you need any answers or are unsure - call Rudy at D&R Marine - he has all the answers and can provide you with parts if you need any tel: 508 644-3001 http://www.drmarine.com/Hope this helps James