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SPREADER TIP FIX??
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:48 pm
by HERNDON
Does anyone have a quick fix solution for a stripped out spreader tip insert? Mine is plastic and the screws will not remain in there. I was thinking of 2 part epoxy or going from a machine screw thread to a
slightly larger sheet metal screw...
Rob
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 8:08 pm
by Dimitri-2000X-Tampa
I haven't had that exact problem, but larger screws usually work. Depending on the thickness of the aluminum though, you may need to use a tap/die to put some threads in.
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 8:37 pm
by Don T
Hello:
I fixed my ends using larger asymetrical plastic screws (automotive). I suppose you could use stainless sheet metal screws. You will find that the plastic is actually hollow in behind. If the screw is too large it will break out the "tube" part that the screw goes through and then not hold very well. I ended up making new ones out of nylon bar so I could thread it and use machine screws. It really holds tight.
Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 10:22 pm
by Duane Dunn, Allegro
The factory has replacement tips that are aluminum. They switched from the plastic about mid way through the X production. Most dealers, including BlueWater in Seattle carry them.
You want something secure. I've had a screw back out and the tip end rotate down leaving only the tension of the rig keeping the stay in the groove. I now use locktite on the tip screws.
Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 5:49 am
by craiglaforce
I have the old plastic kind on my 97. WHen I bought it with one year on it at a dealer, one of the tips was broken. He had a spare on hand and we replaced it. I don't know if plastic degrades with the sun after several years. Maybe getting a set of the aluminum tips for spares is a good preventative maintenance item. might want to get a spare set of spreader tubes also. I assume these are standard items that can be obtained from any mac dealer or wherever.
Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 10:50 am
by Frank C
It is way cheaper to buy stock one-inch aluminum tubing, if you don't mind foregoing the anodizing. Sorry, not sure about the wall thickness, but Bill at the factory will tell you what you need - I recall .0625" but I think I'd just go for .125" next time.
Use the savings to buy four aluminum tips and put 2 in spares, and contribute the plastic ones to Neptune. Those things are next most important to the forestay for keeping the mast off your deck, or off your head.
Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 9:18 pm
by Dimitri-2000X-Tampa
My 2000 model has plastic tips. Anybody ever had a failure of these tips? Seems a bit grave to say the mast would fall on your head seeing as you would still have the lower shrouds. Seems like the worst thing that could happen is for the top of the mast to break off to leeward in a strong blow...and the forestay should keep it from falling backwards.