Spreader Wire

[Cal]

I am replacing the round spreader tube on my DS2 with the DR square end variety. The old tube has a wire wrapped through the spreader and around the stay, above and below the spreader, to hold the tube end in position.

As the square end spreader has almost no vertical play, is this wire at the end still necessary?

Cal

[GreenLake]

If the spreader tip gets out of alignment along the stay, the forces when you rig up the boat could be strong enough that they might put real stress on the bracket, because the lever arm is so long compared to the bracket size.

That's how I would reason, anyway, and keep the wires.

[seandwyer]

I agree! There is just enough play that if the shroud can't slide perfectly as you raise the mast that the spreader will get bent. If you don't have the wire option, a few winds of electrical tape around the shroud - above and below the spreader will keep it where it needs to be.

[Cal]

Thanks. I went back out after posting the question and found the new 1/8th stays had a life of their own and didn't want to remain in the stay slots.

So the wire went back on, easier than I thought it would be.

Cal