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Old 09-10-2016, 03:38   #1
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Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

So I'm sitting here weathering Matthew in Norfolk, and whenever we get a gust above 30 or 35 knots my spreaders start to shake back and forth. This causes a quite a racket and vibration throughout the whole boat. Is this normal? I only have one set of spreaders.

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Old 09-10-2016, 04:00   #2
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pirate Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

If your topping lift and mainsheet are pulled really taut try slacking off your mainsheet.. if it still happens consult a rigger or inspect the spreaders yourself when conditions permit.
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Old 09-10-2016, 04:01   #3
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

Not good! Sounds like too loose rigging. It wont fall down but it accelerate's wear on the rig. Try running something like the spinnaker pole topping lift forward and tensioning it if you dont have a babystay or runners. What rig type and boat? Is the furler stripped of sail and pumping?

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Old 09-10-2016, 05:22   #4
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

If the spreaders are single bolt in the spreader bracket they can be toasted, to much pumping over time tend to wear the tip end of the spreader alu and play is evident...

C&C,s are a example...
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Old 09-10-2016, 06:34   #5
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

Should I just tighten the turnbuckles to them? Ketch rigged with cutter stay, I have temporary back stays for use when using cutter.

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Old 09-10-2016, 06:43   #6
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

No my sail is still on the furler... I realized last night I should have removed it.

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Old 09-10-2016, 08:15   #7
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

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Originally Posted by sailingunity View Post
So I'm sitting here weathering Matthew in Norfolk, and whenever we get a gust above 30 or 35 knots my spreaders start to shake back and forth. This causes a quite a racket and vibration throughout the whole boat. Is this normal? I only have one set of spreaders.

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Where in Norfolk are you? I'm weathering too, at Vinings landing. I think the worst is over, although winds are blowing high now.
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Old 09-10-2016, 08:36   #8
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

Is the mast pumping as well which is causing the spreaders to move?

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Old 09-10-2016, 09:04   #9
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

You should inspect them. In storm conditions it may not be unusual sitting at the dock, but you need to know.
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Old 09-10-2016, 15:10   #10
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

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Is the mast pumping as well which is causing the spreaders to move?

Pete
This seems likely to me,for I can't think of many things that would drive the spreaders themselve into oscillation . However, vortex shedding by the mast and the resulting pumping is pretty common, and that action might appear to the casual observer to be as described.

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Old 09-10-2016, 18:45   #11
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

I think you all might be right, the mast was pumping, up on deck it doesn't sound or look nearly as bad as it does down below, presumably because the mast is carrying the sound down inside.

Zengirl, we are at Cobbs, sounds like that might be close by?
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Old 10-10-2016, 06:12   #12
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

any misalignment will bring the rig down
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Old 10-10-2016, 06:54   #13
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

You will get some vibration depending on the wind angle and speed

My stays are at 440 all around except the forward lowers which are at 550lbs to give the mast some prebend which puts a bit of a load on it and keeps things tight. (it also helps flatten the main if you are a racer and need every bit of help you can get getting up wind in heavy wind)

I'm at East Beach (across the creek from you) but my boat sits quite low compared to others in Little Creek. You probably got more wind also on your side since we are a bit more protected being closer to the tall buildings on the North side plus that new apartment complex to the East

I didn't remove my furled jib either but did wrap the main halyard around it maybe 10X from top to bottom. I did remove my dodger as it is getting a bit old

The boat came through fine even though I heard there were gusts to 87 knots.

Salty Dog is within walking distance. He'll loan you his Loos Gauge if you think you want to go that route. If your boat is old though, don't over tighten and warp your boat
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Old 10-10-2016, 07:03   #14
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Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

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Originally Posted by sailingunity View Post
I think you all might be right, the mast was pumping, up on deck it doesn't sound or look nearly as bad as it does down below, presumably because the mast is carrying the sound down inside.

Zengirl, we are at Cobbs, sounds like that might be close by?

Vining's is almost right at the bridge......which you can see from your boat
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Old 10-10-2016, 07:18   #15
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pirate Re: Spreaders shaking back and forth in high wind

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No my sail is still on the furler... I realized last night I should have removed it.

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Was your mainsheet over tensioned to keep the boom steady along with the topping lift.. or did you not check.
I've found this can cause the effect you describe as it alters the mast tension quite a bit.. no sail up not noticeable but with a furled genoa on it'll create one hell of a wobble.
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