Shroud Spar Tape

[najsmith]

I've seen the shouds pass through fittings on the end of spars fixed to the mast.

Often these are taped with a white tape.

Anybody know what tape shoulld be used here - mast's donw and plan opn giving it a good service.

Thanks

 

[fluffc]

Where the shrouds pass over the end of the spreaders, a t-shaped plastic covering piece is used. This is often held together with (white) electrical tape.

http://marinestore.co.uk/page/mrst/PROD/rigging-and-shroud-covers/PBNG-SA5-S/

 

[oldharry]

ONly needed if there is a chafe problem with the jib getting against the spreaders. I have seen white insulating tape (and red and green to help novice crew!), or Self amalgamating rubber tape used here. You can also get plastic boots which clip over the whole assembly, give a nice neat finish, and give a much smoother surface for when the sail catches against it, reducing wear.

On older smaller boats where the spreader mounts have worn, the tape may be needed to hold the spreader at the correct height on the shroud to prevent spreader droop. The angle of the shroud to the spreader should be the same above and below to prevent bending loads being applied.

But if the spreaders are firm, and the jib never fouls the spreaders, then tape is not needed.

 

[najsmith]

Thanks All -- good advice. I'll head off for some electrical tape at lunch time

 

[fdmarsden]

Be careful.

I removed a mass of white sticky tape from the outboard ends of the spreaders on a boat I bought.

Beneath it the tubular aluminium spreader was corroded to paper thickness; a recipe for a broken mast.

 

[najsmith]

Given the current voyage of discovery in this winters fit-out, I shouldn't be that supprised!

Thanks for the warning. Best I get the tape off now rather than loose the mast later...

 

[Noddy]

Those bits of plastic over the ends of the spreaders can be a little pricey. I cut up an old fender, held on with tie wraps, tidied up with electrical tape.

Works fine!

 

[Twister_Ken]

Can also be done by wrapping a bit of foam sponge over the spreader end, and then taping that.

 

[Ross1]

Self amalgamating tape is the tape used. From chandlery or plumbing merchant etc... Dont use electrical tape, it looses its stickyness very quickley once wet and goes brittle in UV!!!

Tape should be removed yearly to check fittings underneath for corrosion etc.... When you tape something up leave an exit for water!