spreaders

[jim stull]

I have had to replace the spreaders on my 75 CD25. There was a small block attached to one of the spreaders and it appears that, over time, this caused the butt of the spreader to sweage down several thou until it was a rattle fit in the socket. (The mating spreader was tight in its socket but I replaced it also in order to have an exact matching pair as the new tips were different.)
Maybe this block was for hoisting a flag? I am wondering if I should replace the block. Possibly the previous owner overloaded this component and this problem is uncommon.
Any advice gladly accepted before we raise the mast.
Jim



jtstull@icubed.com

[Bruce Bett]

Jim
The block is for a flag halyard. Burgees and foriegn courtesy flags are traditionally flown from the starboard spreader. This is very common on sailboats. I can't see how this would cause a problem with normal use.

Bruce Bett
Sostenuto CD 25 #496

I have had to replace the spreaders on my 75 CD25. There was a small block attached to one of the spreaders and it appears that, over time, this caused the butt of the spreader to sweage down several thou until it was a rattle fit in the socket. (The mating spreader was tight in its socket but I replaced it also in order to have an exact matching pair as the new tips were different.)
Maybe this block was for hoisting a flag? I am wondering if I should replace the block. Possibly the previous owner overloaded this component and this problem is uncommon.
Any advice gladly accepted before we raise the mast.
Jim

BETT@smtp.munet.edu

[john churchill]

there should be a small nicropress swage on the shroud to keep the spreader from moving down in response to the pull of the flag halyard. the flag halyard is important to fly your CAPE DORY burgee.