J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Anchoring Shrouds in Spreader Tips?

Charlie, I do not have these plates, know where I can order them?

One thing to consider when using wire to retain the shroud in position is that the shroud has to have a little bit of vertical movement. So I used a criss cross wiring pattern to insure that the shroud is retained but is has only a single contact point where there is no bind on the shroud. The wire method is widely used on all sorts of boats.
I prefer not to use boots as they keep moisture from drying out thoroughly. I only like water under my hull.

The boots are an insurance policy to stop from tearing a jib. I would recommend using boots at the spreader tips.

I am really getting uncomfortable watching the main against my unbooted spreader ends when I am running. It seems like a pretty thin edge that may eventually abrade the main to failure when running. Anybody worry about this?

Absolutely worried - you really should cover the ends with spreader boots

ok filling some gaps in this thread ... noticed that plastic spreader tips on 526 cracking apart ... can understand why they discontinued the plastic.



will order new set ... will give teens something to do to replace aloft when they arrive. The BAD part is that Rig Tite charges $69 each for these plus $14 shipping.




Also West Marine Boot that fits best is the Medium.
Model 9113481

so OK ... the above hull is 505.

Rig Rite delivered it's very expensive replacements for the plastic spreader tips right on schedule and in time to install for mast resetting tomorrow.

Interestingly the new cast aluminium tips hold upper shroud about
5/8 in. further out from where the old plastic inserts did, which in effect makes the spreaders about 16 mm longer than what they would be with the old plastic inserts [no longer available].



I'm not sure if spreader length is a covered OD measurement ... but in any case I'm happier that they are a tad longer.



Other notes:
1. New spreader tips are loose fit into end of spreader ... we opted to drill and tap for one short 10-24 machine screw to lock tip into spreader ... using one of the existing holes in the spreader tip.

2. only wire we had handy was SS single strand ...

3. we used medium WM boot which even though it looks too small is way better a fit than the large WM boot.

4. everything is tight, but loose enough so that shroud can move, while they are installing mast ... if we need to go up to retape probably will make tighter.