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Spreader Lift Tension

  • September 01, 2015 1:07 PM
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    Message # 3506044
    Anonymous member

    The spreader lifts on my WS just hang there - I am in the process of replacing all my standing rigging. What level of tension should they have? -- Tim
  • September 01, 2015 5:35 PM
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    Reply # 3506232 on 3506044
    Deleted user

    This is not a single answer question. (corrected)

    1st while sailing and at the dock  there should 0.0 Lbs (1.8 Lbs, or about half the weight of the spreader it self) of tension i.e they don't do (much) and it would be very hard to measure this almost no weight

    2nd what is your weight and how close to the end of the spreader will you stand.  If at the tip then the tension will need to be at your weight when loaded  if half way then half your weight. (these tensions are when loaded, but when unloaded it needs to be 1.8# +/-)

    SOOOOOOOOOOOOO they are there for the person who does not seize there uppers to the spreaders (the friction + seizing will hold 20 to 40# +/- both up and down) or for those who need to stand on them to spot ? reef's, sharks, and for whatever you would stand out on the spreaders for, ( you may want to leave them in place?) I stand near the mast = as close to the mast as possible = less than 6" from the mast which loads the tips at around 18#+/-. And I have never had any issues of movement.

    I don't have them any more, I lost the extra (10 + Lbs up high = 60+ pounds on top of the deck ), about 6,000 miles back, and never looked back, I do not miss them at all.

    Tim  I hope this helps you out, as weight up the mast in NOT a good thing.

    Norm

    Last modified: September 17, 2015 9:39 AM | Deleted user
  • September 03, 2015 1:03 PM
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    Reply # 3509527 on 3506044
    Anonymous member

    Thanks for the information. -- Tim
  • September 17, 2015 8:01 AM
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    Reply # 3530852 on 3506044
    Anonymous member

    Norm,

    Your "seizing" ... is the upper shroud served and then seized to the spreader tip?  Service is an old world skill and application, but I think it would be as well or better than not served.

    Plus service would reduce galvanic corrosion on the spread tip contact with the shroud.  I'm teaching myself the Liverpool splice and will be splicing my rigging, but I've also taught my self service to cover the splices and to make more decorative/aesthetically pleasing lashings etc. 

    T. 
  • September 17, 2015 9:24 AM
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    Reply # 3531031 on 3506044
    Deleted user

    Tyler:

    For the wire work,  I did 4+ wraps around the wire above the spreader then down throught the slot and 4+ around the wire under the tip, then did a figure 88  through the center and around the outsides (front and aft) of the tip ; each time once around the wire. = about 2' +/- of monel = about 3oz+/- total weight

    we also added a ss hose clamp with old line wound around it (like a donut) and clamped it on the ends of the spreaders (sail chafe) about 6oz/ea;  kind of a baggie wrinkle for the tip.

    I did not properly serve the wire, as it was done by had and with out tooling or any coverings = works, but not as nice, or as good as a true and proper serving; but about half way there.

    I agree, if you have the tooling and the time. a served wire looks, and is a great way to go. It would more than double my estimated weights you could put on the spreaders. Tar would also be nice, but for the sails and gravity, both of which make it a less clean idea.

    Best of luck:

    Norm

    The corrosion does not seam to be much of an issue for me but if you have stray currents it can be. (this is an issue to review if you are bonding all hardware)

    also Not sure on using the Liverpool splice on a 19-1 wire?  I think it was the standard three line rope splice? I am a stalok fan+/-


    Last modified: September 17, 2015 9:33 AM | Deleted user
  • September 17, 2015 11:28 AM
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    Reply # 3531206 on 3506044
    Anonymous member

    Norm,

    I learned that concrete sealer is a great "tar" for service, and helps with chafe because it is very durable and UV resistant.  As in "Rigger's Apprentice," one may make the part varnish/part black paint slush too, but I'm actually a fan of the concrete sealer; which was recommended to me by a splicer on the East Coast.  If I could post pictures, I would of the finished splices and service I made for lifelines.

    Liverpool splice is on 7x7 wire (or any wire with 6 strands wrapped around a core).  The 1x19 splice is another story.  This one starts from the same side as the 3-strand splice, but then is wrapped around standing strands (6 groupings of the 12 outer strands) similar to the Liverpool splice.

    I had to make all the tools for service; including the serving mallet and serving board.  One can no longer find these things, so some ingenuity is required; which one may argue is what makes a good sailor .. :)

    Thanks for the response!

    T. 

    EDIT:

    I stripped and painted my mast, spreaders, and booms, and I found there to be galvanic corrosion in the spreader tips.  Now, it was not as significant as at the mast base (more salt water in these parts), but it was evident enough to consider isolation, as well as, fixing the spreader on the shroud.  I'm a fan of not having the lifts up there as well.

    Last modified: September 17, 2015 12:13 PM | Anonymous member
  • September 18, 2015 12:37 PM
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    Reply # 3532916 on 3506044
    Anonymous member

    Tim,

    The spreader lift wires were only originally put on so Westsail could brag that you could stand on the spreaders when piloting you way into a coral atoll in the South Pacific.  I don't know of any owners reporting that they really did that.

    If you secure the tips of the spreaders to the upper shrouds, and cover that with a vinyl boot, that is all that is necessary.  If you have a LeFiell mast, with the round tips and a big open slot, I recommend installing a bolt across the slot to make sure the wire does not drop out of the slot on the lee shroud.  I do know of that happening to one owner, and he folded over the top of his mast when he tacked.  Expensive mistake.

    I have a source on vinyl spreader boots that will accommodate the large round LeFiell spreader tips.