spreader movement

[cmedsailor]

I have a Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 361, 2002 model, with sparcraft rig (mast profile I365E, in mast furling). I have noticed that there is a little movement of the spreaders of my boat (frontwards and backwards, NOT up and down) at the point where the spreaders are connected to the spreader base with the pin (not the “black bracket” at the mast). Is this in general acceptable?

 

[cmedsailor]

Just to point out that the specific model has only one pin holding the spreader at the spreader base. So, I cannot see how that could hold it steady without moving.
But what does the forum thinks?

 

[minkysailing]

From my expereience this is normal for this type of basic rig (Sparcraft & in mast furling). One key thing to look for is metal fatigue and 'flaring' of the spreader end especially around the hole where the pin passes through. Other than that this is deemed acceptable.

 

[William_H]

On a mast head rig with the cap shrouds chainplate pretty much in line with the mast the spreader tip is also in line with no pressure forward or aft. In this case all load should be inwards so no prob.(ie with intermediate fore stay and aft mounted intermediate side stays to locate the middle of the mast in fore and aft direction.)

However on some fractional rigs the aft sweep of the spreaders presses on the cap shroud to push the middle of the mast forward. ie no intermediate forestay. Any movement in this case forward in the spreader socket will see your mast broken through lack of fore and aft support in the middle. (Like mine did) olewill