Length of spreaders

[Bennkat81]

One of my aluminum spreaders broke at the holder on my 26m. I drilled a new hole and reinstalled but that left the starboard side bar 1 inch shorter than the port side. I ordered some 316 stainless steel for replacements. But could only get 48 inch lengths. This is approximately 4 inches longer than the port side bar(original as far as I know). Any issues leaving the extra inches or should I cut to original? Just asking before I cut.
To cut or not to cut?

[C Buchs]

Unless you can think of an advantage to them being longer, I'd probably cut them down.

Jeff

[Stickinthemud57]

Unless you can think of an advantage to them being longer, I'd probably cut them down.

Jeff

Agreed, both for safety and performance.

[WinSome]

Cut those spreaders to original length. There is a math calculation in place with the spreader/ shroud angles.
Plus the issue of dancing the spreaders under the lifeliness

[Bennkat81]

Thanks for the info. I suspected there were calculations and was not sure extra length would help or hurt. Better to ask before cutting. Would not be able to recut longer later. Spreaders are cut and installed. Ordered new tips due to corrosion between stainless screws and aluminum tips. Should be in this week.

[dustoff]

Cut those spreaders to original length. There is a math calculation in place with the spreader/ shroud angles.
Plus the issue of dancing the spreaders under the lifeliness

Very critical to keep those the length of the original design. Also, try to make sure the spreader connector to the side stay is positioned along the stay so that the spreader is perpendicular to the mast (i.e. horizontal) under normal static tension and have the cap connector holding the stay perfectly vertical. Not having this right will put strain on the spreader and the spreader bolt.
I would also stay away from using stainless steel. I would replace with anodized aluminum that is the same spec as the original. The weight difference is significant enough to be a concern.
I have replaced my spreaders once because I bent them during mast raising/trailering and am actually glad they were soft enough to bend. Otherwise they would have caused more serious damage to the deck or stanchions. Macgregor gave a lot of consideration to where strength is needed and where it isn't, and it wasn't all about doing it as cheaply as possible. Sometimes its about having things fail at the point of least risk and cost of damage.

Dustoff