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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Spreader Boots

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/23/2012 : 08:57:42

The original Spreader Boots on JD were Canvas Pads with Black Webbing to secure them to the Spreaders. The Shrouds had to be wired in to the ends of the spreaders. They lasted 6 years and then deteriorated a bit.
While at West Marine, I saw the spreader boots that are molded plastic that hold the shroud in place, the boots are secured in place with tie wraps.
[url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_11151_10001_99187_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView#.UNcmYm9X2NA"]Plastic Spreader Boots - thumbs down[/url]

After one year of use, they are a disgrace, split, worn, dirty and basically falling apart.

I found the same version as the originals and they arrived yesterday.
[url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=29947&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50045&subdeptNum=50088&classNum=50094#.UNcmqm9X2NA"]Taylor Made Spreader Boots[/url]

So JD will be sporting new boots this coming weekend.

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

Edited by - on

hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2012 : 05:16:08

I installed the Taylor made a year ago and they are holding up well, however I did notice that there were burned marks on them and I assume the marks were from the 150 sliding on them. I ordered rollers and installed them on the shrouds during the recent up grade activities. I hope they will help the life if the spreader boots and sail.

West Marine jib roller
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=14460&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50045&subdeptNum=50088&classNum=50094#.UNhG5nf5V9M

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9044 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2012 : 09:55:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by britinusa
 While at West Marine, I saw the spreader boots that are molded plastic that hold the shroud in place, the boots are secured in place with tie wraps.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I've used the rubber/plastic boots, and they've lasted a number of years (with occasional re-taping), but I never considered them an alternative to wiring the shrouds to the spreaders, if that's what you meant.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2012 : 10:00:57

The plastic molded type do a pretty good job of holding the shroud into the groove at the end of the spreader so I did not use the wire. However the Taylor made version really does need them wired in.

I'm guessing that the plastic molded type just don't seem to be able to handle the Florida Sun.

Paul

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2012 : 11:15:01

I use the Taylors on top of the stanchions that people put their hand on when getting on the boat, I use the rubber boots with swage wire on the spreaders. Rollers at the spreader are always a nice ad on.

Edited by - pastmember on 12/24/2012 11:15:47

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9044 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2012 : 14:25:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by britinusa
 The plastic molded type do a pretty good job of holding the shroud into the groove at the end of the spreader so I did not use the wire...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Hmmmmm... The cover will allow the shroud to go right to the end of the slot, if not beyond it. If by some chance a shroud goes slack as the boat is pitching and the "pretty good" isn't quite good enough, and the cover hides the fact that the shroud is no longer secured, your mast could come down. (It's the same thing as a broken spreader, and it happens.) I'd recommend seizing wire, regardless of the cover. (I happen to have more than a lifetime supply, and no sailboat.

)

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 12/24/2012 14:34:42

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2012 : 14:38:18

Agreed Dave, even though the plastic boot seemed to keep the shroud in place even when the mast was down, the siezing wire takes out the risk. I now have a reel of SS siezing wire from harbour freight the only cost a rew bucks. There's enough wire to last a couple of boat lifes.

Good point.

Paul

Edited by - on

putzmeister
Navigator

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100 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2012 : 17:16:03

Yep, seizing wire is a given. I like the Taylor Made brand and FWIW I attached mine using black (UV resistant) zip ties.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2013 : 08:24:31

I was surprised to find that the PO of Iris had used hardware store steel wire for seizing wire, adn it had rusted through. This is one spot where I would really recommend stainless, marine grade stuff.

The job is simple and takes little time if you already have the mast down for winter storage (or to replace the spreader boots)

I did a brief writeup on the blog showing the bits and putting it all together. http://littleboatiris.blogspot.ca/2012/05/re-boot.html

The only challenge with this job is getting the right tension on the shroud. You need it loose enough for teh shroud to travel freely in the groove, but tight enough that it can't slip out.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2013 : 12:01:24

Monel is the material to use, the alloy used in seizing wire is flexible and virtually impervious to corrosion.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 01/02/2013 12:05:33

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.