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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Spreader height

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Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/20/2003 : 00:38:45

Anyone know high off the deck the spreaders are on a C25 Standard rig? I need to get up there and I'm wondering if I can reach it with a ladder.

Doug - #1913 Noeta

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2003 : 02:03:21

Doug: It's a tad dark outside, so this isn't perfect, but my SR measures really close to 14'6" from base of mast to spreader.

Gary B.
Encore! #685 SK/SR

(met you a coupla' weeks ago with Doug Young)

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2003 : 09:38:12

Hi Doug,

Gary's measurement is right on. I just replaced the spreader brackets on my mast ... I had to measure the height so I would know how far up to push the compression posts to match the holes in the spreader brackets.

BTW, I've used an extension ladder like you're planning to do ... I had to re-tape my spreader boots. It's a little hairy, but it can be done. I wedged the base of the ladder inside the shrouds, leaned it against the mast, then tied it to the mast so it wouldn't move. I also rigged a safety line and wore a harness in case I fell off.

Another thing that helps is to work on your project when there is little wind, and when there is little traffic at your marina. It doesn't look like you're up that high until you climb up there ... once you get up there, it's no fun to be rocking back and forth with every gust of wind and every wave.

'Hope that helps ... what do you plan to do while you're up there?

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2003 : 10:12:59

I need to replace the tape on my spreader boots too. How critical is it that the boots be taped? Can it wait until the end of the season when I take my mast down?

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK

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Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2003 : 11:58:09

Let's see, a 16 ft ladder and spreaders are 14'6" up. No problem. I need to get up there to replace the boots and take a look at the fittings. Thanks!

Doug - #1913 Noeta

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2003 : 13:56:01

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I need to replace the tape on my spreader boots too. How critical is it that the boots be taped? Can it wait until the end of the season when I take my mast down?

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

Hi Ben,

I suppose the answer to your question depends on how your spreader boots are attached. Before I stepped the mast, I attached new spreader boots with that "rubber" rigging tape that sorta' sticks to itself without any other adhesive. Within 24 hours the tape was already coming unraveled <img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle> Needless to say, I'm not a big fan of that type rigging tape.

I didn't want the boots to blow off 'cause they were brand new. So, I rigged the ladder and climbed up there ... not only to re-tape them, but I also put a tie-wrap around each end. Now, even if the tape comes off, the boots shouldn't blow completely off because of the tie-wraps.

If you don't think the boots are going to fall off, I'd be tempted to leave them alone and go sailing.

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2003 : 14:09:01

Unless your planning on going up in a bosuns chair while the boat is in the water. I would highly advise dropping the mast to work on the spreaders.

A ladder isn't really a safe option. (especially if the boat is in the water.) The spreaders are only a few inches from the rail and the cabin top in that area adds little for support since it is elevated. I would recommend doing it in a bosuns chair while at the dock, trying to find a marina with hoist to hoist yourself up in a chair, or - simplly just lowering the mast (best option)

Also - If on the hard on Jack stands, a Bosuns chair is not an optimal idea.

To answer your question - taping the boots is not a very critical task but it is important to do so that your wire holding the shrouds in place doesn't tear up the sails.

D. Wolff - "The Flying Wasp" #401 sr/sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 National Assn.
<img src="http://www.flags.com/dreamimages/Flags/measurer.jpg" border=0>

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2003 : 14:30:00

Thanks guys, it looks like I'm leaving my boots alone for a while. They're not in any danger of blowing away, and they're on well enough to protect the sails from the shrouds.

Thanks again,

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK

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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.