Fixed Spreaders

Stephen Hill · Post by **Stephen Hill** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 9:41 am

Anyone know of an easy way to adjust the fixed spreaders on a needlespar mast? I have been trying to set up the mast on my old merlin and I can seem to move the spreaders. I am not exactly weak and feeble but the only way I can see of bending them is to take the mast off the boat and use a piece of pipe to give me more leverage.

Any advice would be appreciated

Steve

Post by **roger** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:00 am

Hi Stephen,

I have a needle spar mast on the Hornet. It is very difficult to adjust them. On mine the spreaders are flat and the ends near the mast have been filed down to allow adjustment. This is still not very satisfactory. Sorry I cant be more help. i expect someone else here will have some ideas.

Chris M · Post by **Chris M** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 7:18 pm

Bend them!

JimC · Post by **JimC** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 12:37 am

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stephen Hill
 Anyone know of an easy way to adjust the fixed spreaders on a needlespar mast?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Most fixed spreader spars have two bolts on each spreader and you just dril another hole. Or is this some sort of rigid socket arrangement?

Post by **roger** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:30 am

Stephen,

Jim is right mine do have two bolts but they also are in an open socket. Mine have been filed down in the past to make room in the socket. I have to say I am not very impressed with the needlespar it is too bendy and heavy. There must be some spare merlin masts lying about on a wreck somewhere.

Roger

Post by **Rupert** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:44 am

There are some for sale on the for sale bit of this forum...