spreaders?

[J]

I recently acquired a 17' daysailer built in 1966 from a friend, and the spreaders have seen better days. I know how to get the parts, but how do I go about attaching them?

 

[rfowlerhelen]

???

Just what is the purpose of the spreaders ? Mine droop about 15 degrees and would not support the mast if they were shimmed to level. They would simply slide up and down the shroud. They do catch the main on a downwind haul. ???

 

[Roger1250]

pop rivits

I think the size of pop rivits you want are 3/16". The pressure is into the mast, so aluminum rivits will suffice.

 

[Russ20666]

Spreaders

Spreaders artifically increase the angle of the shroud at the top of the mast by creating a fulcrum. Picture in your mind what the angle of the shroud to the top of the mast would be without the spreader. It would be very shallow and not very effective.The spreader should be perpendicular to the mast and shouldn't move up or down. Be sure to install boots.To stop the main from laying against the spreaders on a run, use a boom vang.Russ