MacGregorSailors.com

Good idea, bad idea ???


Collapsible Spreader Mod

Thanks,
Dave

Most of the guys that find the Mac two step a little arduous will opt to have quick releases installed for dropping the lifelines, or at least one side.

I would think the pop out spreaders would get to be a pain when time and weather get at them.

I agree with John B. Our boat came with a pelican clip for the lifeline on one side, and I had to swing the mast/spreader over to get the spreader under the other lifeline. It was always a hassle and required a second person. After rigging the second lifeline with a pelican clip it's much easier to handle mast raising/lowering.

Mike Cecka

We only did the spreader dance once before taking a tip from Duane Dunn and using 3/16" captive shackles on the aft ends of the forward lifelines. In this case, I used Wichard shackles, pressed out the roll pin to install on the lifeline and pressed it back in once on. They disconnect quickly from the cockpit.



I don't think I'd trust the modified spreaders.
--
Moe

My answer to the spreader problem was quick disconnects. They sell these at any tractor supply or truck repair shop.

I tried to pull my spreader arms out yesterday and couldn't get them out. Does it usually take two or three people to do this or did the PO possibly epoxy them in!

I pulled mine at the end of last season and thought they were epoxied in too! I had some corrosion that made them very hard to get off. I had to spray some penetrating fluid on the joints and work them back and forth to get them out. Once they were out I saw they were bent. I'll be putting new ones on now. Based on the feedback from this post I'll decide which way to do it.