First time taking down the mast

[green]

Meanwhile…The pins come in a variety of sizes. We chose the rounded bail type to avoid any snagging of lines or sail. We got the pin size to fit the spreader bolt holes snugly. The sockets are also snug so there isn’t any play. I makes it quick work to pull the pins and lash the spreaders to the mast (we use those ball end bungee cord loops). It’s a whole lot cleaner to transit with the spreaders tucked away. The putting on & taking off is easy and doesn’t take more than 30 seconds to a minute but the cleaner snag free transit and storage is priceless!!!

OverEasy do you know the size of these pins for the spreaders? Also, do you use some type of pin for the stays? I can imagine different pins that would probably work but I don’t want to get a type that can’t support the load.

[chadwiseman]

I’ve always left my spreaders resting on the lifelines.. seems to be correct from the manual.

[NiceAft]

When you say “resting” do you mean they are on the lifelines while also attached on the mast? If so, that is what I did for years. Now I remove the spreaders and zip tie them to the port and starboard lifelines. On my M, moving the mast back and forth is easier without the spreaders in the way.

The X’s mast is easier to maneuver than the M’s. The X mast is lighter.

[WinSome]

Those quick release pins for the spreaders are 3/16”. We use them with great results on our X.

[March]

I agree with Ray. I had been keeping the spreaders attached to the mast for years, without any problems--until last year when I snagged a branch I didn't see (trailer was parked under some bushes) and bent one badly. Took a couple of hours to reinforce both with wooden dowels on the inside (portion of an old wooden handle). Now they are stronger than ever, but I still remove them by using pins, as suggesting above, and bungee them against the mast when trailering. It takes less than a minute to put them back in place when raising the mast

[Russ]

Lowering the mast I gently let the spreaders rest on the lifelines. Once it's down and no load on the MRS, I remove the spreaders and Bungie them to the mast. SO much easier with them off.

My first year, I bent a spreader from the weight on the lifelines. This procedure has been working well for me.

[OverEasy]

Hi Green!

The pins we used were 316 SST 1/4 inch diameter shaft pins. I believe we got them online from Wholesale Maine or West Marine.

The 316 SST (stainless steel) is a good corrosion resistant material and more than strong enough for the application for the spreaders.

Our spreaders bottomed into their sockets anyway so there isn’t much shear load on the pins. We did clean up the hole edges to remove the thread gouging caused by the prior bolts. This reduced the potential for any cracks.

We ordered extras to replace the bolts holding on our Bimini top at the hinge point. There we had to slightly enlarge the pivot bracket holes to remove the threading and allow it to move freely.

Best Regards
Over Easy