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 Are My Spreaders Installed Wrong?		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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crystal_blue
1st Mate

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USA
76 Posts
Initially Posted - 03/21/2026 :  14:12:35  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
As I mentioned in another thread, I currently have the mast off the boat for some maintenance. One of the oddities I've noticed as I look at things closely is . . . the spreaders don't seem to perfectly align with the (for lack of a better word) "stubs" of the spreaders that are bolted to the mast itself. See the following pics:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FUsY1GLzGzSLJATm9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNpSGvuASrKdgXPQ7

Is everyone else's mast the same way? Or are my spreaders installed "backwards" somehow?

Thanks--
Jim and Crystal Smith
Lehi, Utah
1996 Catalina 250 WB #191 "Mariah"

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3502 Posts
Response Posted - 03/21/2026 :  21:07:53  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I have a Cat25, so not familiar with your spreaders. However, if you have not done so already, click on the link for "Manuals and Brochures" . Then click on the 250 manual (HTML version) and then click on the photo for "Spreader Assembly".

Note the spreader seems to be shaped like the wing of a plane with the surface that faces toward the forward/bow has a more curved shape compared to the spreader section that faces to the stern. - just like a plane's wing. If your spreader surfaces seem to have same spreader surfaces/configuration as shown in the manual , then it is okay.

From the sketch in the manual, it is hard to determine if the spreaders can only be installed one way - the proper way. If the bolt/pin hole in the spreader was closer to the forward edge or rear edge of the spreader, then there would be only one way to install the spreader because it would then be doubtful you could install it backwards. But from the drawing in the manual, that hole seems to be in the middle of the spreader......So I would study the drawing and the curvature of the forward edge versus the trailing edge to see if it matches your mast/spreader configuration.
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5453 Posts
Response Posted - 03/24/2026 :  05:55:08  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The spreaders should lean aft from the mast, backward toward the main sail track. The upper shrouds should pull the mast slightly aft against the forestay.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1336 Posts
Response Posted - 03/24/2026 :  11:21:38  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Good questions... The spreaders appear to be factory installed without having alternate holes drilled anywhere. Looks very good...

The spreaders are installed in such a way that it provides a smooth transition surface between the mast and along the spreaders without hooking sailcloth/sheets or hanging up on anything. This is important. Again it appears to be factory designed and fabricated.

The spreader, bracket and weld looks solid. Have a look at the tightness/corrosion of the rivets.

Catalina deserves a lot of credit for doing excellent work in design, material and execution with years of experience.
Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)
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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.