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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Spreader Question

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SJ
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/10/2007 : 15:09:07

Has anyone installed new spreaders from CD? The new set only has one set of holes drilled into them, and the old set has two; one set at each end. The way mine was set up was the at the mast plate there is a long coter pin that goes through the the plate then the spreaded to secure to the mast. The second set is at the other end, which allows for a SS wire to go through and secure the stay to the spreader. The new spreader holes line up for the outboard end securing the stays. Does this mean I need to drill new hole for the plate or does thge pressure from the rig keep the spreader home? I'm thinking that I shouyld drill. Any thoughts, comments, jokes limerics????

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C25Guy
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 16:23:56

I don't belive the shrouds should be wired to or through the spreader. Either way, it sounds like the shroud could chafe against the spreader, which would be unpleasant. The C25 parts manual lists a spreader plug for the end of the spreader. Mine is black plastic or rubber, and it holds the shroud. I've got the whole thing wrapped in rigging tape to keep the plug on the spreader and the shroud to the plug, especially when the mast is down and there is no tension holding it on. The rigging tape also helps a little in keeping the genoa from catching a snag and possibly chafing or tearing.

The hole in the spreader is for the cotter pin through the spreader base. My boat doesn't have a cotter pin for the spreader plug, and its my understanding that it is correct. At least the spreaders are, anyway...

Edited by - C25Guy on 05/10/2007 16:26:24

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 16:57:59

Scott,

Yes, you should attached the spreaders to the brackets with cotter pins.

[url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/manbro/pictures/4-1-5.gif"]Spreader[/url]

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C25Guy
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 17:48:49

Don's link shows two sets of holes too. I guess my spreaders aren't right either! At least they haven't broken yet and there's enough sail tape that they aren't going anywhere.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 18:03:19

I do both.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 18:08:00

And you should wire the shrouds to the spreaders as well.

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SJ
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 20:05:27

Thanks guys!

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 20:23:11

Also, you might have to drill the holes in the spreaders I had to drill mine.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/10/2007 : 20:28:18

As I recall, the existing holes in my spreader tubes didn't match up quite properly with the holes in the new style sockets. [The tubes didn't bottom out in the sockets like they did before]. I drilled a couple new holes in the spreader tubes so they fit (in my opinon) properly.

Spreader boots on the outboard ends of the tube round out the job.

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Dave Otey
Navigator

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USA
112 Posts

Response Posted - 05/11/2007 : 19:54:17

My experience: when I bought my C25 the mast was down. We put it up and while tuning the rigging I noticed the shroud was inside the length of my starboard spreader. As I pulled on the shroud it continued to slide across the aft side of the spreader.After examinging the spreader (which should have be done when the mast was down) it was evident the seizing wire was not properly wrapped around the shroud and passed through the seizing wire holes. I would hate to think what could have happened if I found this out with the mast under a load. There may be a drawing in the "manuals and brochures" section on this site that clearly depicts the assembly as designed. Good luck.

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Dave Otey
Navigator

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USA
112 Posts

Response Posted - 05/11/2007 : 20:06:34

Scott, I found the drawing. I will email it to you. I don't know how to attach it to this message.

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2007 : 13:04:27

Don, you da man!!!

Val on CALISTA # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2007 : 15:41:11

A rigger once told me there absolutely must be seizing wire holding the shroud in the groove on the spreader, with several turns around the shroud above and below the spreader. The concern is that if the upper shroud ever goes slack on the leeward side, it could fall off the spreader. Then, on the next tack, down comes the mast! IMHO, plastic caps aren't secure enough, and spreader boots are to protect your sail--they don't hold anything to anything.

I would also be careful, as Clam noted, that the spreader is firmly seated ("bottomed out") in the socket--otherwise, the load could sever the cotter pin. If that means drilling a hole, I'd do that and use the end with the existing hole for the seizing wire.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2007 : 15:32:36

Spreader boot, as Dave mentioned do not to Jack didly. The only function for the cap is to give the shroud a groove to slide through. You absolutely need to use SS annealing wire and wire the shroud so that is seats itself in the groove, but also can slide through it.

Run about an 18 or 20 inch piece of wire through the hole on the outboard end of the spreader, wrap it snugly around the shroud 4 times above and below and go back through the hole from both sides. Then twist the ends together tightly.

I have seen two boats on two occasions have their mast come down either all or in part(double spreader rig). Both instances were during a tack, both were in less than 10 knots of breeze and both were because the shroud wasn't secured into the spreader. One was a poor annealing wire job, one was a broken gate on a different brand of spreader.

I might suggest that if you don't wire your uppers into place that you carry cable cutters.

Edited by - on

SJ
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2007 : 12:25:50

Thanks again guys! I'm working on this over the weekend. Hopefully the boat goes splash right after the holiday...Darn shame not to sail this weekend, but we have the Thunderbirds coming to LI and Ill be there with the other half a million folks watching....

Enjoy the holiday!

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