Replacing X spreaders

[RickJ]

The spreaders on my X have got a bit bent and need replacing (I tried straightening them and one snapped ).

I suspect it's going to be easier and cheaper to just get some 1" OD alloy tube and make a pair up. However, does anyone know what the correct thickness is?

You might say I could measure the existing ones, but they're not the same

It's pretty obvious one has been replaced already by a PO, but I don't know which is original. They measure up at 16 & 18 SWG, which corresponds to 14 & 16 AWG. Strangely, the one that broke was the thicker one - doesn't seem to be as strong an alloy - but this is the one that the shroud clamp fits into more snugly.

I'd prefer to use the thinner gauge if it's actually strong enough, for obvious weight-aloft reasons.

Any ideas?

TIA, Rick

[Paul S]

I searched high and low for new spreader material. I couldnt find anything local. You can get spreaders from the factory or from http://www.bwyachts.com/ at a reasonable price

[RickJ]

Not quite as simple in the UK though!

I've put a query into the UK importer/reseller, but I suspect he wouldn't stock them so it would be a wait to get them added to his next shipment of new boats.

I can get the correct size tube pretty easily, assuming standard 6061-T6 alloy is OK (I'm sure the factory don't use anything more sophisticated). Works out about £10 ($20 US) for enough to make a pair. I'm just not sure which gauge to get.

Cheers
Rick

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Any ideas?

TIA, Rick

You may want to do a "search" -- just type in spreaders and you'll get some interesting tips. Stainless is a good option--stronger too.

I was visiting with a dealer during his replacing a set of spreaders on a Mac-X, and he showed me serious corrosion which must be watched closely with an aluminum spreader at the point of connection at the mast site. He remarked that this is often an "overlooked" weakness within Mac rigging. The deterioration of the alum. spreader isnt easily seen where it slides into the mast site.
Apparently, this is something to examine annually.

[Paul S]

Not quite as simple in the UK though!

I've put a query into the UK importer/reseller, but I suspect he wouldn't stock them so it would be a wait to get them added to his next shipment of new boats.

I can get the correct size tube pretty easily, assuming standard 6061-T6 alloy is OK (I'm sure the factory don't use anything more sophisticated). Works out about £10 ($20 US) for enough to make a pair. I'm just not sure which gauge to get.

Cheers
Rick

Did you call or email BWY, they might ship them. If not, maybe someone here can re-ship them for you

Not sure about the X spreaders, but the M is fairly thick walled.

[Chip Hindes]

In your position, I'd go for the thicker material and be done with it. My guess is that the factory correct tubes are 1/16" wall thickness, which is very close to 16 SWG. Probably that one broke because it's original and older.

Even if BWY or some other dealer is willing to ship, you're going to pay as much for shipping as you would be paying for the material to replace them. I'm sure you're correct as well in that there's no way the factory used anything better than 6061-T6. It would be good if you could get anodized tubing, but I wouldn't worry about that too much either. I'm sure the anodizing is theoretically better for salt water corrosion resistance, but my guess is that the weak point is where the speader enters the socket, and the anodizing is going to wear off in a hurry anyway.

I would not recommend switching to stainless, both for weight reasons, and because at $20/pr I'd prefer to leave the spreaders as the weakest and easiest to replace link in the system. Anything else in that "system" breaks, and you're talking serious damage and serious $$.

My 7 yr old original spreaders both have a slight permanent aft bend to them for at least the last 3 years (as long as I've noticed). My guess is this is from over 10K miles of trailering. I've never attempted to straighten them and don't intend to.

[waternwaves]

I agree with chip,



All my spreader bars seem to bend and break at the socket, Restraightening them work hardens the aluminum tube, and they should be planned on being replaced at that point.

Note, I bought a used boat, Spreaders had different wall thicknesses, and slightly different lengths.

[bastonjock]

Hi Rick

the easiest way to check the thickness is to borrow a guage,there are a lot of small engineering shops around who are generally more people friendly,id go to one of them,or alternatively,try http://www.zsparsuk.com
these guys manufacture masts and rigging,they may well answer your question.

[Catigale]

Ive got one shaped like a hockey stick and a spare new one - Ill measure it and post tonight...

[RickJ]

Hi Matt

the easiest way to check the thickness is to borrow a gauge

I've actually got a gauge (dug it up from the bottom of a tool drawer, haven't used it for years!), my problem is that the two spreaders are different gauges - even seem to be slightly different alloy too.

I've found a metal stockist in Southampton - just across the water from here - who can do any cut length, so I'll probably go there next time I'm over. Could be quite soon, as SWMBO will be wanting to go to the sales any day now (normally a but in this case a possible ). When I phoned to check, turns out they only have 16 SWG in stock at the moment, so that's kind-of made the decision for me

I'm pretty sure it was me who bent them (the worst one at least). I had to drop the mast when I collected this boat back in October, and with no experience of Macs I hadn't realised how much the spreaders try to fight the stanchions when stowing the mast. It's not in the manual . Of course I've subsequently read about all the flavours of dealing with the problem on this forum

Cheers
Rick

[bastonjock]

well i was lucky enough that the PO showed me how to stow the spreaders under the rails so that they did not fight each other and end up with a bent spreader.

as for the sails,i went to the harbour today to see about mooring my boat there,unfortunately the office was shut so i went for a brows at the chandlery,2 tripple clutches,reeds almanac,charts and 290 quid lighter i left

[RickJ]

I got a reply from the UK dealer, he does stock them - at £80 a pair, delivered

For a couple of bits of alloy worth £10 that's some markup . I suppose they may include the shroud-clamp ends (I didn't ask), but even so it's a lot, and I don't need new ends anyway.

I'll definitely get the tube next week and make them myself.

[bastonjock]

i wonder if it is possible to buy the parts that hold the speaders to the mast and the shroud clamps? then all you need is some aluminium tube

[Catigale]

I did finally mike the replacements the factory sent me.

1 inch OD
1/16 thickness within 1/128 inch (vernier shows 0 on that scale)

for the spreader

Maybe just buy the tube and use your end caps from your old spreaders?

McMaster Carr will sell you a 36 inch piece of aircraft alloy for about 30 USD

1968T373
(Same as 1968T37)
Alloy 2024 Aluminum Tube 1.00" OD, .87" ID, .065" Wall Thick, 3' Length
In stock at $28.29 Each

[RickJ]

Thanks for that Catigale

1/16" is 16 SWG (14 AWG), which is the same as the thicker of my two. That must be the original.

Luckily that's the thickness the local stockist has available . I've been quoted £10 ($20) for sufficient, and they'll cut to length at no charge so I'll get them to cut two exact spreaders - saves a bit of hassle. I'll get them tomorrow.

Cheers