No replacement spreader end cap...is it something I can make myself?

[VicS]

Thanks for these thoughts. Some smart person suggested Sugru when I asked this same question about six weeks ago.

I'll definitely have a go using epoxy and modelling clay, because I can't see a reason not to...and I've come across all sorts of small items on board which I cobbled together artlessly using chunks of wood, and which have later broken up, or were simply never exactly the shape I needed them to be.

Sketch below of my spreader ends.

Could easily be turned out of a piece of aluminium bar split in two.

Maybe you wont need the screw but in my case it hold the two halves in the spreader end. Wont come out now as they have not been touched since fitted 35 years ago!

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks for all replies. No doubt a basic metalworking shop could run-up what I need in fifteen minutes. I'll try them, if my clay/epoxy craftsmanship leaves things to be desired.

 

[Lakesailor]

Dan. I've just cut a 5" circle out of a kitchen cutting board using a ........................................jigsaw.

 

[Greenheart]

No photo? Didn't happen.

Let's see the result. No, not the chopping board, your missing fingers!

 

[Lakesailor]

I almost videoed it, but didn't and it is now bolted under my trailer so no proof.

 

[dunedin]

You could fit spreader ends instead only; they are plastic white and come in all sizes.

Was buying an off the shelf spreader end too simple ?

 

[Lakesailor]

You haven't followed Dan's trials, have you?

 

[dunedin]

You haven't followed Dan's trials, have you?

I have. If doing the London Brighton car run would I am sure find six reasons to route via Inverness
Delightfully original

 

[Greenheart]

Was buying an off the shelf spreader end too simple ?

I believe that's a fair question, but I'm not sure where I'd find said shelf...or even, what an 'off-the-shelf-spreader-end' is.

All I have at present is spreaders, round, hollow, circa 11mm diameter, and 3mm shrouds which need to be held on the ends...

...if there's an obvious answer which I seem to be overlooking, it's probably because I haven't thought of it. I'll be glad to be told.

 

[Hadenough]

I have. If doing the London Brighton car run would I am sure find six reasons to route via Inverness
Delightfully original

He's a Troll

 

[Greenheart]

He's a Troll

Foul libel. And conspicuously mistaken, since I'm a sailboat-owner with shrouds that are disconnected from the spreaders. Or is it the habit of trolls, asking questions to which they actually want answers? I thought it was their purposeless business to twist would-be online helpers/acquaintances in argumentative circles. The way I'm fixing my boat may be unorthodox, or frankly barmy, but if I ask a question here, I genuinely welcome any genuine replies. May we proceed?

Is there some kind of one-type-fits-all spreader-end which is widely available and will solve my problem? Here's a picture of the broken bit, in situ:

View attachment 42486

 

[bbg]

The sails are protected by wrapping all in duct tape.

Please, not duct tape - self-amalgamating tape is much better for things like that.

 

[Iain C]

Foul libel. And conspicuously mistaken, since I'm a sailboat-owner with shrouds that are disconnected from the spreaders. Or is it the habit of trolls, asking questions to which they actually want answers? I thought it was their purposeless business to twist would-be online helpers/acquaintances in argumentative circles. The way I'm fixing my boat may be unorthodox, or frankly barmy, but if I ask a question here, I genuinely welcome any genuine replies. May we proceed?

Is there some kind of one-type-fits-all spreader-end which is widely available and will solve my problem? Here's a picture of the broken bit, in situ:

View attachment 42486

Dan you do make things complicated don't you?

1. Put spreader end back in hole
2. Wrap in electrical tape
3. Go sailing

 

[mrming]

3. Go sailing

Shh. He's avoiding that one...

 

[Greenheart]

1. Put spreader end back in hole
2. Wrap in electrical tape
3. Go sailing

But...but...but...originally, the little end cap (visible in that pic) was twice the length, and a pin held the cap in place. Isn't the shroud likely to shake loose if I just tape it on?

And, if it does shake loose, isn't the mast in danger?

I'm keen to be sailing, just not keen for each trip to end in breakages caused by lack of preparation. Last summer wasn't a success, I think because the boat wasn't ready for use.

 

[dunedin]

Difficult to see the exact shape of these on a 2d photo, but could this be filed to fit ? Sure the guys at Sailing Fast could easily send a better picture

http://www.sailingfast.co.uk/content/29er-spreader-end-cap

 

[mrming]

But...but...but...originally, the little end cap (visible in that pic) was twice the length, and a pin held the cap in place. Isn't the shroud likely to shake loose if I just tape it on?

And, if it does shake loose, isn't the mast in danger?

I'm keen to be sailing, just not keen for each trip to end in breakages caused by lack of preparation. Last summer wasn't a success, I think because the boat wasn't ready for use.

I'm only pulling your leg Dan. I do think you should just go and get one machined though. Don't bodge it.

 

[Greenheart]

That 29er spreader-end cap looks very much like the item I'm looking for, thanks...although...0.4kg? 10cmx10cm? The one I've broken is tiny, just a few grams.

Sorry Mr Ming, I've already bought the DAS clay, to make myself an epoxy end-cap. I'll post a picture here, for collective amusement. And I know it could work.

 

[DinghyMan]

If you want an ally or stainless one turning/milling just drop me a PM

 

[Greenheart]

Many thanks DinghyMan, I may just do that. :encouragement: