My Oceanis 281's spreader configuration is unlike most spreaders that have an end that can be protected with leather or other material to protect the mainsail. It is simply a bar with a grooved end to hold the shroud. What is the best way to protect the main when it's up against the spreader on a broad reach since the kits sold at West Marine are for standard spreaders? Sew a patch on the main?
Spreader
- Thread starter Andy Lifland
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Spreader wheels
Forespar makes a set of Delrin "wheels" that turn on the shrouds. They have bushings that can be matched to the shroud diameter. They can be subassembled at deck level around the shroud and partially tightened. After that, you can use a long boat hook or something similar to push them up the shrouds to the spreaders. Then all you have to do is get somebody to hoist you up in a bosun's chair (or someone who is really light) and tighten the 2 screws on each roller. They do a pretty good job of keeping the spreader ends from poking the sails.
Forespar makes a set of Delrin "wheels" that turn on the shrouds. They have bushings that can be matched to the shroud diameter. They can be subassembled at deck level around the shroud and partially tightened. After that, you can use a long boat hook or something similar to push them up the shrouds to the spreaders. Then all you have to do is get somebody to hoist you up in a bosun's chair (or someone who is really light) and tighten the 2 screws on each roller. They do a pretty good job of keeping the spreader ends from poking the sails.
I'll check mine out.
I frankly don't remember what is on the end of my spreaders. My 281 is a 1996 and I'm using the original main. There are no worn areas on the sail that I know of. Since I have in-mast furling, my genoa is really my power sail so I don't let the main out far enough to really rest against the spreaders very much. I'm going out to the boat today, I'll take a picture and try and post it for you.
I frankly don't remember what is on the end of my spreaders. My 281 is a 1996 and I'm using the original main. There are no worn areas on the sail that I know of. Since I have in-mast furling, my genoa is really my power sail so I don't let the main out far enough to really rest against the spreaders very much. I'm going out to the boat today, I'll take a picture and try and post it for you.
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