J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Spreader bar questions

Hi all -
Just wondering if the spreader bar is/was a retrofit to original J/30 mast - or whether it was a feature of the original mast configuration. I haven't ever removed the spreaders from my 1983 J/30 and have never had any issues with the boat in 28+ years of ownership (Waltzing Matilda - hull #456).
If a spreader bar wasn't ever installed on my boat - as a precaution as it gradually ages (gracefully thus far) - should I install one? If so, who should I contact to get a spreader bar?
Many thanks!
Bill Veno

Bill,
I know early boats did not have one, but my 1983 (hull 457) boat has a compression post at the spreaders. I don't know if it was original or not, but I don't think the previous owner would have installed it. With the mast down it's pretty easy to see. You can probably also see it through the fitting where the lowers enter the mast. It's toward aft of the spreaders

Bill,
My boat is #281 and it has the spreader bar.

Thank you very much Coastie and FCD! Much appreciated!
Bill

My boat, hull #406 did not have a spreader bar. I installed the Annapolis Rigging kit.