Sagging spreader, is that a symptom of something sinister

[Seasick Steve]

I have my old Whillans sit-sling (somewhere) which I shall use as a back-up on one halyard, while I sit in/on something more comfartable on the other.

Micanopy, I think?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Seasick Steve

3. Fill the sockets with sealant immediately before raising the mast and adjusting the spreaders with a long boathook or similar after the shrouds are tightened but before the sealant sets.

If you're going along that way of thinking, a couple of lines would be better - one attached at the chainplate and looped over the spreader as a downhaul and one rigged as a loop from a halyard as an uphaul.

(Make sure that the uphaul is rigged so that it can be freed after use without going up the mast to the spreader. )

[Seasick Steve]

...on both sides.
That sounds a bit complicated to get right.

The more I think about it the more option 2 appeals. Then I can set it all up beforehand and don't have to fiddle about with bits of string in a hurry while I shall want to be securing rigging screws and putting the kettle on for my assistants. But I need to find the correct angle.

[Cheechako]

Set it while still off the boat. Have someone hold the bottom of the shroud at the right distance from the mast, Measure the angle either side of the spreader until equal, put a clamp/seizing/boot... whatever you are going to use.. on the wire either side of the spreader.

[Seasick Steve]

Sounds like a plan. I suspect, however, that when the shrouds are tightened, the spreader ends will be pulled down, so that will have to be allowed for.

[boatman61]

Its only a Westerly Centaur.. just set the mast and rigging then stand on the boom and tap it up with a boat hook as needed while someone tensions the masthead shrouds.. once correctly tensioned it'll hold itself in place.

[Seasick Steve]

That sounds like the moist sensible advice so far! It's lasted 42 years with horizontal spreaders anyway!

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Seasick Steve

That sounds like the moist sensible advice so far! It's lasted 42 years with horizontal spreaders anyway!

The advice from boatie is good but not your conclusion there... in those 42 years the boat may have never seen rough conditions under sail. I've seen many boats with broken spreaders incl. small ones. :-)

[boatman61]

With the mast currently (I think) off the boat I'm assuming its been checked for damage and none found.. so I assume he's worried about it staying in place during the raising and how to get round it if it sags again.

[Seasick Steve]

Hmmm. Yes, it's been off the boat and is currently forming the ridge pole of a tent keeping the rain off.

That could be an awkward question..... better have a good look at it I suppose. If I find the mast's damaged I shall not be a happy bunny.