Spreader Base

[RobA]

Hi folks,

This is Rob from s/v Honi Hanta. I got lots of advice from folks here before I took off for my Bahamas Trip. I am looking for a little more help.


After Hurricane Wilma ripped through here a couple days ago I was putting the halyards back up and noticed I have a cracked Spreader Base.

I am pretty sure thats what you call it, its the spot where the spreader meets the mast. I believe it to be original. Its basically a piece of metal that lays against the mast and is through bolted. A round groove is where you put the spreader into.


Where can I get one of these? Do I have to have one fabricated? Mine is cracked in two. I thought from the strong winds but someone else thinks its probably from my buddy climbing the mast and stepping on the spreader or something, maybe just age.

I could weld it, but its aged and corroded.

If need be I can try to get a picture explaining what part I need.



Thanks for the help,

Rob

[Tim]

Is this a Triton we're talking about?

If so, then you can buy identical cast aluminum bases through D&R Marine (www.drmarine.com). Go ahead and buy two, and replace both at this time. The old cast bases are starting to show failures in many Tritons in recent years, and there's no sense replacing just one.

Here's one of the D&R Marine spreader bases in place. (Photo taken a few years ago...)


If it's not a Triton, then there are other sources for spreader bases, though much depends on the type you actually have.

[bcooke]

The old cast bases are starting to show failures in many Tritons in recent years,

Great, now I guess I have to had a pair of these to the list as well.

-Britton

[bcooke]

I mean, ...have to ADD a pair...

[bcooke]

One another thought. Can you get replacement fittings with a slight upwards tilt to split the angular difference between the shroud above and below the spreader? Does that make any sense?

-Britton

[dasein668]

My new bases have a definite upward tilt to them?I've not measured the angles, but it is certainly noticeable compared to the old. But I think the old were cast that way too; over the years I think the fit just gets kind of sloppy. My old ones were definitely on the sloppy side, fit-wise. The new ones have a much closer tolerance.

[Tim]

My new bases have a definite upward tilt to them?I've not measured the angles, but it is certainly noticeable compared to the old. But I think the old were cast that way too; over the years I think the fit just gets kind of sloppy. My old ones were definitely on the sloppy side, fit-wise. The new ones have a much closer tolerance.

Agreed. The closer tolerance of the new bases provides adequate angle. Still, some downward movement at the tip end is possible, particularly when just stepping the mast, so it pays to pull all the slack out of the cap shrouds and pull the tip up tightly just before they lift the mast with a crane, since tightening down the shrouds later will tend to pull those tips down a bit. So the higher you start, the better. (Do I really have to add, "within reason"?)

[RobA]

Thanks Tim,

Those are exactly what I need. Life will be much easier shipping in some perfect fit parts rather then trying to have some made up in some Bahamian boat yard.


Sorry for the lack of information in the post, but ya, it is a Triton. )



Rob

[RobA]

This is asking a bit......


But you are always so helpful.

Any chance you can link me to the right part on that site? I have very limited internet access at the moment and I can't seem to find any spreader parts.


I'd also like to make sure I get the right one etc.


Thanks again.

[Tim]

Not sure if it's on the site or not. Give them a call and explain what you need.

I got mine through my rigger initially, and I have to say I have not ever contacted D&R myself. But they did come from there.

Sorry I don't have a direct hit for you...