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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 Spreader Brackets		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Initially Posted - 04/04/2011 :  17:01:07  Show Profile
So, I was on w/ CD, ordering odds and sods, and the clerk mentioned that there is a problem w/ the original aluminum brackets which hold the spreaders in place. He advised to replace the original w/ stainless steel...at $140/pair.

Further the mast needs to be stepped, as there is also a compression tube, which needs to be inserted into the mast, to protect the mast once the new brackets are bolted into place...YIKES...

Anyone have any experience w/ spreader bracket failure - or replacing the original brackets
Jerry
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 04/05/2011 :  05:59:44  Show Profile
Jerry,

Since no one has yet answered your question concerning failures with the original cast spreader brackets, it's probably because it's not a common occurence. Dusting off my 10 year old forum memory cells, I believe maybe someone once posted they experienced a failure of the cast aluminum spreader base so I guess it's possible, but not something you should be overly concerned with as long as you inspect them occasionally for corrosion and cracks. Although I have the newer stainless brackets courtesy of a PO, I know of several C25's that have the original brackets which are over thirty years old.

As to cast aluminum brackets, thousands of boats were made with cast aluminum spreader bases (Cape Dory, Columbia, Catalina to name a few). In addition, cast aluminum mast steps, goose necks, mastheads, boom end caps, etc. were also produced and are still sold today.

Should you be worried about a possible failure? Probably no more so than a shroud or stay breaking, or your keel falling off, or your boat blowing up due to the gas tank being in the cockpit dumpster. Having said that, if replacing the spreader bases gives you comfort, them go ahead and replace them.
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Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts
Response Posted - 04/05/2011 :  07:57:13  Show Profile
Hi Jerry,
In the early '80s Catalina Yachts had experienced enough warrenty mast failures due to the original aluminum spreader brackets failing that the company made a running change to the design with stainless steel spreader brackets. Stainless steel mast bases also made their appearance about the same time.
The new spreader bases included a compression tube that is indeed placed inside the mast between the two spreader bases. One of the bolts that secures both bases to the mast holds the compression tube in place. The compression tube prevents an over-zealous nut tightener from compressing the mast at the spreaders... which probably lead to some of the mast failures.
Are you sure that you still have the aluminum spreader bases? Many owners retro-fitted their masts when the change was announced. There was sort of a run on the Catalina parts dept at the time.
Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts
Response Posted - 04/05/2011 :  14:31:26  Show Profile
The SS bases are somewhat shiny (or mine was), with a visible weld between the tube that holds the spreader and the base that goes against the mast. I recall the aluminum ones are dull gray with no welded seam, since they're a one-piece casting.
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 04/05/2011 :  18:07:25  Show Profile
Thank you gentlemen. To be fair, the CD clerk did explain that the AL brackets are clearly identifiable from the SS ones.

Work is preventing me from getting to the marina for another week or so (imagine!), but I will inspect as I can from the deck and report back. I am grateful for your responses.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.