Spreaders on Designers Choice 15

[Zephuros]

I am refitting an old one design DC 15 that I haven't used in many years, it seems to me that there should be a grommet of some kind in the hole at the end of the spreader to keep the wire from chafing the aluminum on the spreader.
Does anyone know anything about this?

 

[Seajet]

I don't know the boat but I think I understand; how about simple plastic tape around the shroud ?

Heat shrink sleeve would be neater but would have to be applied before the ends were spliced, or as you say grommets if the spreaders are slotted.

You're right it does make sense.

 

[Zephuros]

I agree

I'm to the point where I want to sail the boat before winter sets in here, and since I can't find a single mention of a commercial grommet for the purpose, I intend to either use the tape as you suggest or make a wooden grommet with a groove on the outside to fit into the spreader. I examined the spreader carefully this morning and found scrape marks on the spreader but apparently no real harm has been done. But still I feel I need to do something. Now I'm worried about setting the tension just right on the shroud. Do you do it by notes when twanged, because I don't have a tension gauge for the purpose.
Thanx for the reply.

 

[merlin3688]

See this link
http://www.allenbrothers.co.uk/item_detail.asp?prod_id=40&id=148
Allen Brothers do an end that suits aero spreaders, any chandlery will be able to help you.

 

[Zephuros]

chandlery

Just what would the nomenclature be for such an item? I've searched and searched with no results. That's why I'm here looking for an expert such as yourself. The spreader has a through hole about 5/8" for the connection end to pass through. I'm baffled as to how to describe the thing other than grommet, but I've had no success searching for "spreader grommet". And in the middle of Oklahoma, USA, there is no chandlery to visit and explain the problem.
Thanks ever so much for the reply though.
Thomas

 

[William_H]

Spreader end

yes the stay wire will cut the Ali if it just sits in a slot. I solved this problem by fitting an SS screw through the slot such that wire rests on the screw. Of course a bit of tubing around the screw would be even better to increase pressure area. You cna then use SS wire or similar to capture the stay in the slot. olewill

 

[alahol2]

Just what would the nomenclature be for such an item?

'Spreader end cap' brings up lots of Google results...

 

[Zephuros]

SS screw

yes the stay wire will cut the Ali if it just sits in a slot. I solved this problem by fitting an SS screw through the slot such that wire rests on the screw. Of course a bit of tubing around the screw would be even better to increase pressure area. You cna then use SS wire or similar to capture the stay in the slot. olewill

I had seen that post of yours, sorry for the delay, keyboard fritzed. I think the DC15 spreader may be made very differently from other boats as it is a hole drilled vertically near the end of the stabilizer through which the fastener lug passes to get to the deck. I think I'm going to look through some automotive firewall grommets. Maybe electrical supply might be better. I checked with several chandleries and found nothing that would work on my spreader. I could always make a half moon of wood with a notched back to stay on the spreader and a groove for the shroud.