The Spreader Boots Revisited

Well, Folks, it seems like there are almost an infinite number of variables in our boat projects. Everyone should look over their specific situation as see if the group advice fits the individual case. For the spreader boots, note how many different kinds of boots are preferred by different people sometimes in different situations. There is a lot of preference type stuff in our boats. I recently stated that looser tape and wiring is needed for spreader boot area so that shrouds can pull through. I was not accounting for hinged spreaders. I was working on Cal 25s. We was working on a boat with the mast down, so we could not get much tension on the shrouds. If the mast were up, the spreader position on any boat would be better defined, but then you a person hanging there. A long ladder is a chancy option (IMHO). The base of the spreader is not hinged on the 25. The bracket has a hole at a slight up angle into which the round spreader inserts. We put a screw through the side of the bracket (and spreader pole) at the mast to contain the spreader. The angle of the spreader is fixed. Loosening the tape and moly wire a bit on the boot and shroud allowed us to re-tension the shrouds when the mast went back up. Otherwise, the upper shrouds were just plain stuck. Your results may vary. Don't forget your Lanocote when running stainless screws into aluminum. Cheers Charlie Annapolis Cal 25 and Cal 40