question about loose spreader

[lk240]

Hello all,

My starboard spreader is a bit loose on my '86 Caliber 28, and I would be interested in advice/options others would have to share about how to handle this. I assume I should tighten the bolts up but I'm not certain the proper angle is for the spreader aside from trying to match the other side and not sure if this is a more serious problem that would require something more significant done to the spreader or the mast connector.

Here is a very short video link showing the loose spreader, hopefully it works. The port side does move very slightly but not nearly as much as the starboard side which moves up and down slightly as well, not jut fore/aft. Thanks in advance for any comments.

https://vimeo.com/323740625

Lisle

[Orion Jim]

Is there evidence of wear on the spreader. Elongated holes. If it doesn’t look compromised you could just wrap the end of the spreader in rigging tape for a more snug fit and tighten the bolts.

[lk240]

Haven’t unbolted the spreader but it does feel like the holes have elongated. Thanks.

[roverhi]

The spreader should bisect of the cap shroud angle. Not uncommon for spreaders to be loose. Not a big thing if holes have elongated as long as there’s enough meat left around where the bolts pass through. Would want to figure out why that’s happened though. Possible cause is too loose tension on the capshrouds allowing lee side spreader to flop about.

[lk240]

thank you!

[foufou]

You might consider drilling out the elongated holes to fit the next size larger bolts. But first you need to assess if there is sufficient metal surrounding the holes to do this. And use bolts where no thread is within the holes as this increases wear. Good luck

[lk240]

Thank you. Will unbolt and see what it looks like and follow up with pics.

[skipper53]

The holes in the spreader do elongate and will wear through eventually if left not repaired. Lost a starboard spreader on a 41' Palmer Johnson BOUNTY II during 30 knot winds on Lake Huron early in a Port Huron to Mackinac race. Went up the mast, got the spreader down and cut off the worn out holes. Drilled new holes, and put it all back together then tightened the shroud. Got it fixed in time to tack before running into the Canadian shore at Goderich and finished the race.
Lots of bruises from holding the mast while beating into those winds and waves. Fixing this while the mast is down or at least at the dock will be much easier.

[rpeskett]

Originally Posted by skipper53

The holes in the spreader do elongate and will wear through eventually if left not repaired. Lost a starboard spreader on a 41' Palmer Johnson BOUNTY II during 30 knot winds on Lake Huron early in a Port Huron to Mackinac race. Went up the mast, got the spreader down and cut off the worn out holes. Drilled new holes, and put it all back together then tightened the shroud. Got it fixed in time to tack before running into the Canadian shore at Goderich and finished the race.
Lots of bruises from holding the mast while beating into those winds and waves. Fixing this while the mast is down or at least at the dock will be much easier.

I'm impressed. Best story I've read in a while.
Rick

[barnakiel]

Also in our boat the spreaders move a bit about in mast sockets.


Never gave us any trouble this far.


Our tops are always tight both sides so it stays put no matter what when sailing.


b.