Holes not where they used to be - mast and spreader bracket

[pdagnan]

I've bought and almost installed a replacement zspars spreader bracket (part num 4118) on my sunway 21 but the holes in the new one don't match with the holes in the old, the holes in the mast are off by a few mm to quite a few mm.

Is this normal (hope not) other than request a replacement what can be done?


Thanks for your help.

 

[merlin3688]

If the holes are close could you put bigger rivets in? The fitting is a wrap around fitting and I think not drilled to a pattern, just put additional holes in but keep far enough away from any existing holes. Not sure of your location but you could ask a local rigger if you are worried. Standard size rivets in this fitting are 3/16, maybe use 1/4 rivets if you can find a gun for that size.
http://www.zsparsuk.com/#!online-store/c1u7j/!/Part-No-4118/p/33199642

 

[Spyro]

If you cant get a replacement to fit existing holes rather than making the existing holes bigger I would do as suggested by the previous poster. Move the fitting down about 3 or 4 inches and drill new holes.

 

[William_H]

Holes ina mast are not such a big concern at the base of the spreader. This part of the mast should be well located by spreaders intermediate side stays etc such that holes should not initiate fatigue failure. The real parts of the mast of concern are the middle of the section between base and spreader and spreader and cap shrouds forestay etc.
So just drill new holes to match the new spreader base and cover the old holes. good luck olewill

 

[Seajet]

pdagnan,

did you mean your boat is a Sunray 21 ? If so these boats are much the same vintage as mine, mid to late 1970's, so it wouldn't be surprising if measurements don't fit perfectly.

As said above, spreader position is not that critical, move the spreader base up or down just enough to get fresh bare metal without the chance of new holes running into old, keeping the change as minimal as possible.

Remember some Duralac anti-corrosion paste on the rivets; it's expensive but one tube should last you quite possibly forever !

 

[pdagnan]

No Seajet, a Jeanneau Sunway 21, built in 1990.

I ended up drilling new holes and riveting, seems fine ...

Disappointing with the manufacturing tolerances for the bracket though.

Thanks all