holding spreaders in place

[KEN S]

For some reason, the starboard lower spreader on my boat tends to droop a bit (maybe 1"). The spreader tip was wired to the shroud but evidently some movement occurred. What's the best way of keeping them in place? Could I use stainless wire clamps (one above & one below the spreader) ? When the rig is tuned are the spreaders expected to move or is the shroud supposed to slide through the spreader tip ?

[Ian McColgin]

Some strain is causing the movement and should be understood to fix. It's mechanically best when the spreader bisects the angle it makes in the shroug but there are many rigs where the attachment to the mast is rigid and establishes a more horizontal spreader line.

If the spreaders are meant to be horizontal, then there is some down pressure that could overcome the positioning, especially if the mast fitting is loose. Even if you wire the spreader to the stay, a bit of shaking can get past that easily.

Some spreader tips have interesting end fittings to prevent slippage - like a cover and compression screws to squeeze the stay into the notch at the end of the spreader.

I like to put a proper stainless or monel wire siezing over friction tape - about two inches long so an inch above and an inch below the landing on the tip - so that the service you use to keep the stay alligned to the spreader has something to cling to. That service is fibre since you'll take it off each time you strike the mast. The siezing on the stay if properly slushed can remain forever.

G'luck