Running rigging and spreaders

[Matty_M]

Hey all
I'm the new owner of a 75' Venture 222 (also new to sailing) that needs a fair bit of work. It has absolutely no running rigging so I need to know what running rigging I need, what size and type of line and how many feet long (approx.) each line should be.

Also the spreaders are missing and when I just put the mast up for the first time about 20 minutes ago it looks like when a previous owner made new upper shrouds he made them short enough so that they don't need the spreaders. Is this a problem?II should I make two new shrouds that are a little bit longer and make two spreaders or will the mast be fine without the spreader?

[sailboatmike]

The whole idea of spreaders is to even out the load on the mast and support it. unlike many people think the shrouds are not actually rigidly connected to the spreaders, the spreaders normally have a hole or slot in them that the shroud passes through which allows the mast to move on the shroud as it bends/ flexes with the loads, not a huge amount but enough.

If the rig is designed for spreaders I would be putting them back on

[Matty_M]

I guess I'll have to make up some spreaders and the tips for the shrouds to run through. Does anybody know the length of the original spreaders for 222's?

[briantousignant]

I measured my 222 spreaders today at 36 inch from the shroud to the mast .
The spreader is 1 inch aluminium tube with 1/8 inch wall.
The wire shroud is held to the aluminium tube by a copper pipe reducer (1 x 3/4) which is slotted to accept the wire on the 1 inch side which then slides over the end of the tube . The wire still can move freely up and down .
The mast end of the spreader is held by a " U" shaped bracket which is bolted with the baby stays through the mast .
I have some pics but have yet posted pics .

Brian

[Matty_M]

Thanks for the info Brian you saved me a ton of fooling around
I didn't actually see you comment until today....for some reason I didnt get a notification. Funny thing is when I searched Google for Mac 222 Spreader length this morning this thread was at the top of the list Fancy that. I put your info to good use and now have some spreaders made I also made some end caps on the lathe for the stays to run through. Here are a few pics.

One end cap. It's beveled on the inside edge because originally I was going to weld it to the spreader... but then I figured I'd bolt them on, that way if a spreader breaks it'll be easier to switch over to the new one.




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Our Venture 222 Restoration Blog

[BudH]

I'd like to know how to adjust the tension on the shrouds on my Venture 25! How much play if any should there be. They seem loose allowing the mast to move port to starboard a couple of inches.

[Bigdamdork]

I have a 78 Macgregor V222 that I just recently took out for the first time after fixing her up over the course of two years. I found out in these forums that Blue Water Yachts is a GREAT resource for specific parts for my boat. I also fabricated spreaders from scratch and realized after the fact they had them for sale for $30 each at BW Yachts. I've picked up a few things boat specific from them. It sometimes comes down to time vs money so I'll find myself spending 10 hours manufacturing a $30 part if I have the time.

Good luck on your restoration. I am loving my boat so far. Took it out last weekend in Avila, CA and saw about 20 or 30 whales. Absolutely worth the time it took to restore her.

I'm no expert but if you have any questions feel free to ask away.

[sailboatmike]

I'd like to know how to adjust the tension on the shrouds on my Venture 25! How much play if any should there be. They seem loose allowing the mast to move port to starboard a couple of inches.

Over tight and overly loose shrouds are both bad for the boat and the rigging,

A simple way to get them close is to tighten them up so when you push hard on the mast the shroud on the side to which you are pushing goes slightly loose, so if your standing on the port side of the cabin roof pushing the mast to starboard then the starboard shroud should become slightly loose, Im not sure what the mast rake should be but a starting angle of 2 to 3 degrees before any prebend may be ok starting point

All the adjustments will have an effect on the boats sailing ability, too much rake will make her round up (weather helm) which is preferable to too little (lee helm), the ultimate is to get her to sail straight with the sails balanced and the rudder straight

[hunkydory]

I have a 78 Macgregor V222 that I just recently took out for the first time after fixing her up over the course of two years. I found out in these forums that Blue Water Yachts is a GREAT resource for specific parts for my boat. I also fabricated spreaders from scratch and realized after the fact they had them for sale for $30 each at BW Yachts. I've picked up a few things boat specific from them. It sometimes comes down to time vs money so I'll find myself spending 10 hours manufacturing a $30 part if I have the time.

Good luck on your restoration. I am loving my boat so far. Took it out last weekend in Avila, CA and saw about 20 or 30 whales. Absolutely worth the time it took to restore her.

I'm no expert but if you have any questions feel free to ask away.

OMG Thanks for the tip on Blue Water Yachts! They are here in the pacific northwest and they have a replacement keel winch and spreader upgrade kits. Sails! New Faucet! on and on
I am not going to have lunch money for a very long time!