Can anyone confirm or deny the need to whip the mast head stays above and below the spreaders on a 1983 Hunter 22? As long as I've owned the boat the side mast head stays have run freely through the spreader ends. But I've been recently told that these should be whipped tightly above and below the spreader ends. I've seen recents general posts confirming that stays should be whipped, but it was mentioned that on some smaller boats, they should run freely through the spreaders, as the spreaders are already set at an angle to allow them to put the correct pressure on the mast under load. Anyone know the particulars of this boat? Thanks.
whipping mast head stays on a Hunter 22
- Thread starter SP22
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- hunter 22 whipping stays
Are you talking about the "shrouds". The shrouds that extend over the spreader ends to the mast head are called the "cap shrouds" or uppers. On a single spreader rig like yours the shrouds that attach to the mast at the spreader base, are referred to as "lowers"
Although the term "side stays" are sometimes used on small boats and dinghies... at "stay" is regarded as a fore and aft support wire, while shrouds are rigged athwart ship to insure the mast is straight.
That said... regarding your question.. It is common to capture the shroud wire in the spreader end so it can't pop out, when you're dropping the mast, for instance. Look for a small hole near the spreader ends. Some spreaders have end caps for this purpose. Once secure, you should wrap the ends with tape or use special boots to protect your sail. btw, use monel wire.
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Although the term "side stays" are sometimes used on small boats and dinghies... at "stay" is regarded as a fore and aft support wire, while shrouds are rigged athwart ship to insure the mast is straight.
That said... regarding your question.. It is common to capture the shroud wire in the spreader end so it can't pop out, when you're dropping the mast, for instance. Look for a small hole near the spreader ends. Some spreaders have end caps for this purpose. Once secure, you should wrap the ends with tape or use special boots to protect your sail. btw, use monel wire.
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Thanks for the clarification on terminology. I should be more careful in defining my need. Yes, I am talking about the cap shrouds. As described in my original post, the cap shrouds have always been captured in a slot on the spreader ends, and have been covered by spreader boots, but they are not captured in such a fashion as to prevent them from sliding through the spreader end. Do you have more specifics for this boat as to whether the cap shrouds should be "whipped" to remain in a stationary relationship to the spreader ends, or whether they should be allowed to slide as they have been as long as I've owned the boat? I am the second owner, so I do not know how they were originally delivered to the first owner.
Not sure if it’s correct or not, but on my 22 The shrouds can move freely up and down on the spreader end (but can’t actually come unattached from the spreader) the boat was this way when I bought it. I would imagine how much the mast is stepped and lowered, some play is not a bad thing.
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It is normal for the upper shrouds to be whipped. For a small boat like the H22, it may not be as important because the wire tension is less. Whipping the shrouds to the spreader ends helps stabilize the spreaders from collapsing when under pressure from a large sail. Maintaining the right angle is essential to keeping your spreaders in place. If it hasn't been a problem and it is common practice for other H22 owners, don't change it.
- Will (Dragonfly)
- Will (Dragonfly)