Spreader Tube
A "Spreader Tube" inside the mast: Should there be one?
Please find a photo of my mast in the spreader area with the spreaders removed bbelow. There are three holes in the mast in a vertical line. The top and bottom holes are for the bolts that through bolt the spreader bases together. The twisted wires ran out of the middle hole into the spreaders protected by a snug fitting heavy short plastic sheath (perhaps heat shrink tubing).
There was no spreader tube inside the mast.
I have searched this site and found the following. In the "Alll Those Wires Inside my mast gotta Go" thread, Ebb wrote, "The spreader tube is there of course to keep the thrubolt from squeezing the mast where all the work is concentrated, spreader sockets and the four lower shroud tabs. It is installed from outside into holes that just fit the tube."
On the "Spreader Socket Broken" Thread, Bogel wrote, "Spreader bases are through bolted with no bushings inside the mast. Original upper bolt was a 1/2" x 4.5" and the lower bolt was 1/2" x 5". Lower bolt also holds the lower shroud tangs."
I have reviewed the manual and find no mention of a spreader tube or spreader bolt bushings in the text, in the specifications, in the drawings or in the sample Ariel equipment inventory. On the other hand, no spreader detail drawing is provided.
So my question is: Was a spreader tube provided inside the mast during construction by Pearson on the Ariel. My Ariel is #330. If not, have owners added such a tube?
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