Spreader angle

[sailorcave]

I see from previous posts that many of you have replaced spreader bases, tubes and tips. But I have not seen any hints on how to keep the spreader at the proper angle with respect to the cap shroud.

On my boat, the spreaders are held in the bases with cotter pins and the shrouds are captured in the spreader tips by rigging wire. The slots in the tips have enough slop to allow the shrouds to slide freely up and down. When I tack, the spreader on the leeward side slides down the shroud.

How do you keep the spreader in its proper place? More shroud tension? Some type of clamp at the spreader tip? Shims at the base?

- Thanks -

[CapnK]

Try using some rigging wire, wrapped all the way around the shroud at top (or bottom) of the spreader tip, then led along the shroud and crossing over it to the other side of the spreader tip. Take a complete wrap there + 1/2 more wrap, lead the wire back to the other side crossing over the first, making a figure-8 of sorts. Repeat a few times, and that should hold it in place.

Some people wrap their shrouds with rigging tape prior to using the wire, but I don't, thinking it will hold moisture in the wire, promoting corrosion.

[commanderpete]

Shim the base so the tube fits snug in there

[ebb]

By 'rigging wire' do you mean the soft monel wire often used for seizing anchor shackles?

Have read it's ok to use a boot over the spreader end if you don't seize the bottom shut, so it can drain. Are you ok with this??? :confused:

[sailorcave]

I think my wire may be Ni-chrome.

The rigging wire figure 8 wrap might do the trick. Maybe that along with some shims.

Now, how to reach the spreaders...I've been eyeing the railing on the public dock. If I can balance on that while hanging onto the shroud with one hand and wrap with the other hand, I may be able to pull this off. Film at 5.