J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment space between spreader bracket and mast

I just had my spreader brackets repaired and re-installed. The welding on the cracks bent the brackets out of shape and I had to reshape them by placeung them in a vice and using the hammer on them.I also had to shorten the thru bolt in the center because it was just a fraction too long and kept the brackets from fitting tightly against the the mast.The brackets definatly should fit nicely against the mast.I think the rivets used were 7/16 , if they are too long they may not draw tight.For sure, re-fit the brackets and use proper rivets.