Seals Spars, Alameda - Sprdr Base source?
The hunt for a proper set of spreader bases continues...
Although I like the look of the bronze bases posted here, being a saltwater-only sailor I don't like the difference in the nobility of the metals, especially not when combined approx. 1/2 way up the mast where inspection is not the easiest. So I've been looking around, hoping to luck across an alternative.
I'd rather not replace the whole spreader setup, say with foiled spreaders, because what Carl spec'ed has been working fine on Tritons and A/C's for many, many years. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it..." is a golden nugget of hard-won knowledge, IMO. :)
I do know a talented metal worker who can do sidework at his job (not sure if his employer feels the same), and I've contemplated asking him if he could make a set of billet bases patterned off of my remaining unbroken base. This is far out there, admittedly, but if made, the part would be quite strong, and if of the proper alloy, no difference in nobility to speak of. Still just conjecture, though, as I'm searching (and searching and searching...) for either SS or cast aluminum replacement bases on the web. Which brings me to...
Seal Spars in Ca. Right on their page they say that they make booms for A/C's. Any of you guys know this company? I'd assume they do biz with the SF Bay Fleet. I cannot tell from their website if they offer a spreader base product which will fit the spar section of our masts (like this one maybe?) . Maybe we could talk them into it - as brittle as my base proved to be, I'd recommend keeping a jaundiced eye on those suckers for any of you out there who are still sailing your OEM, circa-1960's bases. That ~40 yr old cast aluminum shattered almost like glass.
Wouldn't you know, I find the site on a Saturday morn, when they are not open for business for another 2 days...
:cool: :rolleyes:
Ballenger made masthead fitting, new style spreaders, and mast base fitting
Was a while ago. They are flatish aluminum tapered hollows, 2 1/4" at the mast to about 1 1/2" at the tip with a solid rounded end welded on, with a groove for the wire and s.s keeper. No spreader cups!
The taper has interior ribs and a groove that reminds you of inside mast extrusions. Mine are 3 feet, which is longer than the OE - means I can cut and curve the ends to fit the mast. The spreaders have a fore and aft, like a wing. The heavy oblong section insert is bent into a shallow V that keeps the spreaders at the desired UP angle.
This is the custom part. It is a smooth shaped extruded solid bar with grooves in the long edges - about half the groove in the center on both sides has a piece of 3/16" ss rod snapped in. Guess it is to lend some muscle to the bar and keep wear at bay from the spreaders which are slipped over it and held with 4 machine bolts. Must be an upgrade! And will require a liberal dose of Tefgel to isolate the metals.
In the same order Ballanger's replicated out of plate aluminum a new welded mast head fitting with an added spinnaker bail on top. The original is very pitted and very tired. At the same time an insert for the bottom of the mast was made to make mounting to the "tabernacle" hinge step easier. There was custom done, but haven't any left over feeling that it was reeally outrageous. Everything comes beautifully anodized.
It's possible they have the Ariel still on file there and Buzz is great to talk with by phone.
[There will be some futzing to get the special shaped insert channel hole in mast real close, will call for the Dremel tool. I went into the shipping box to get the measures above - did not find a transitional gasket or pad or anything for the end of the spreader where it bears against the mast. I feel there should be something. The original sockets had a relatively large (badly fitted) bearing surfaces which was to protect the mast against the constant loads. It is odd that the foil ends (which have an eliptical section of only 2 1/4" X 9/16") bear right on the mast. And literally right around the hole the insert is in. I also don't see anything in this system to keep the point load from attempting to squeeze the mast. There can't be too much load as the wire angle is so wide, but when heeled over with the main full, the leeward shroud loose, you wouldn't call the force on the mast by the one spreader at that one small spot minimal. Anybody straten me out on this? I think I better call Buzz!]
