Spreader length on '03 M?

[teethlaw]

Anyone out there with an early M and a tape measure? I had read here that the Mac spreaders were generally 44", but am replacing one of ours and it appears to be 40" (that's full length when removed--measured from the end of the stainless fitting to the spreader end it's probably a bit over 38"). Just wanted to see if anyone could verify they're supposed to be shorter on the early M models, or maybe it's that the spreaders on the M are shorter than the X.

Thanks for any info.

[Hardcrab]

my 05 M spreaders are 44".
My stay adjusters are pined at about the midpoint.
How much adjustment do you have left on the stays?
Shorter spreaders may run out of adjustment if on factory lenght stays.
I've read where spreaders have been shortened due to aluminum failure at the SS fitting with no ill effects.

[teethlaw]

>>my 05 M spreaders are 44".
My stay adjusters are pined at about the midpoint.
How much adjustment do you have left on the stays?
Shorter spreaders may run out of adjustment if on factory lenght stays.
>>I've read where spreaders have been shortened due to aluminum failure at the SS fitting with no ill effects.

We actually got new factory replacement stays, and unlike the originals, the upper stays had a 3 or 4" stainless tab at the upper end, which made the replacement stays that much longer. To make the replacements the same length as the originals, I put them at about the midpoint on the adjusters. Maybe the fact the original stays were shorter than the ones the factory is sending out now means my spreaders are supposed to be shorter anyway?
Of course, if I'm replacing spreaders (finding the right tubing has been difficult, but I think I've found it and can order more), I could just as easily go to 44" and then adjust the stays to be longer, but I'm not sure how that impacts everything. Got the boat used, so I'm never sure if something is original or has been altered. Thought there might be another early M owner or someone else with knowledge on this. And anyone think there's an issue going to 44" if the stays have enough room to accommodate it?

Thanks again.

[David Clarke]

I just went out and measured my 03 M from the end of the stainless, to the end of the spreader, it was @ 38.25". Hope this helps. Dave

[Jim Bunnell]

Looks like there was a change as production went on - like yours, my '03 (hull # 19) has spreaders just over 40" total length.
Jim