Since I started to store my boat in a boat yard I haven't had to drop my mast. Now that I am installing a furler need to do a couple of things and looking for advice;
Never had a Windex on my boat, when I was taking sailing lessons the boats had them and found myself always looking at it. Is the masthead prepped for it or will I have to do some drill and tapping? Probably go with a Windex 10.
Need to put on some spreader boots boots on to protect my new jib. Seems like the only thing available are the Taylor made rubber ones. But what size S,M, or L?
Replace the lightbulb. Its the original socket with the wooden block. I remember it being a bayonet butt anyone know what size?
Will put some PVC tubes over the standing rigging as well.
Anything else I should do?
All great questions Tom.
The windex can usually be mounted on the top or side of the mast, whichever fits better. I just used self-tappers on mine.
I got tired of the conventional type spreader boots rotting in the sun, so I went with these. 2+ years, and so far so good:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WWNYY4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Which light bulb are you needing to replace? I replaced steaming and anchor bulbs with these LEDs:
https://store.marinebeam.com/compact-ge89-and-ge90-replacement-for-attwood-perko
https://store.marinebeam.com/8-led-isotropic-31mm-festoon-bulb
I think the cool white ones look the best, but that's just me, and what marinebeam recommends.
Other stuff could be checking the wiring top and bottom for cracks, etc., McLubing your masthead sheaves and sailslot, etc. etc. etc.
Those spreader boots look great! I'm going to see if they fit on my P165 right away.
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 05, 2023, 10:45 PMAll great questions Tom.
The windex can usually be mounted on the top or side of the mast, whichever fits better. I just used self-tappers on mine.
I got tired of the conventional type spreader boots rotting in the sun, so I went with these. 2+ years, and so far so good:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WWNYY4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Which light bulb are you needing to replace? I replaced steaming and anchor bulbs with these LEDs:
https://store.marinebeam.com/compact-ge89-and-ge90-replacement-for-attwood-perko
https://store.marinebeam.com/8-led-isotropic-31mm-festoon-bulb
I think the cool white ones look the best, but that's just me, and what marinebeam recommends.
Other stuff could be checking the wiring top and bottom for cracks, etc., McLubing your masthead sheaves and sailslot, etc. etc. etc.
I've used the Taylor made small on the P165. Tim's link to leather and Velcro boots seemed interesting. The Rubber spreader boots seem to last about 3 years or so, before they degrade. I might be in year four of the current pair. I do secure them with tape.
You can also get leather boots. Another thing that is easy to add is plastic sail rollers above the spreaders. They snap on and help the sail slip past.
I think we are wondering about the "wooden block" reference. Wondering if you have a modified mast or maybe very early model.
The standard masthead on most boats has a Perko light facing forward with a single Festoon bulb that mounts directly to the Dwyer sheave housing. Some of us have upgraded to a 2-bulb Perko so we have an anchor light. (This requires a third wire run to the AUX circuit on the panel.) Plus, at that point it's easy to change the Festoon bulbs for LEDs.
BTW, there are many systems around for raising/lowering Precision masts. Once you settle on one and learn how to use it, it's not that big a deal. And if you are adding a Windex, you will get lots of practice, as standard operating procedure is to forget to mount the Windex before you rig, then swear and throw tools for a few minutes before you lower the mast, put the damn thing on, and raise the mast a second time.
Quote from: talbot on Apr 06, 2023, 05:51 PMI think we are wondering about the "wooden block" reference. Wondering if you have a modified mast or maybe very early model.
I'm assuming this is the steaming light. Mine is mounted the same way. There's a wooden block that sits against the mast and the receptacle is recessed into that.
Quote from: Straander on Apr 06, 2023, 01:31 PMThose spreader boots look great! I'm going to see if they fit on my P165 right away.
Straander, the spreaders on Rum Line are 1" diameter, and the small version of these seems to fit pretty well, with a little room to spare if you have smaller diameter spreaders.
Quote from: Brian N. on Apr 06, 2023, 05:36 PMI've used the Taylor made small on the P165. Tim's link to leather and Velcro boots seemed interesting. The Rubber spreader boots seem to last about 3 years or so, before they degrade. I might be in year four of the current pair. I do secure them with tape.
Brian, in FL, I never got more than a year out of them. I zip tied them on and then taped them. Your boat is covered for several months, so that probably helps. These are velcroed on, with strategically placed shock cord that helps make them very secure.
Quote from: talbot on Apr 06, 2023, 05:51 PMBTW, there are many systems around for raising/lowering Precision masts. Once you settle on one and learn how to use it, it's not that big a deal. And if you are adding a Windex, you will get lots of practice, as standard operating procedure is to forget to mount the Windex before you rig, then swear and throw tools for a few minutes before you lower the mast, put the damn thing on, and raise the mast a second time.
That's pretty damn funny talbot! I solved that problem by not removing the windex to begin with ...
I agree with Tom (tjspiel) that Tom (Tom G P 21) is probably referring to the steaming light, but I listed both in case anyone else was looking for an anchor 360 LED.
Yes sorry it is the steaming light, I have my 21 is hull number 020, made in 1988. This has a woodenblock around the base. Riggerdood I was looking at those spreader covers as well and was wondering about the velcro holding?
Thanks for the suggestions
Tom
The P165's spreaders are only 5/8"s. You said that the small can go smaller then a 1" spreader?
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 06, 2023, 11:05 PMQuote from: Straander on Apr 06, 2023, 01:31 PMThose spreader boots look great! I'm going to see if they fit on my P165 right away.
Straander, the spreaders on Rum Line are 1" diameter, and the small version of these seems to fit pretty well, with a little room to spare if you have smaller diameter spreaders.
Quote from: Tom G P 21 on Apr 07, 2023, 07:40 AMYes sorry it is the steaming light, I have my 21 is hull number 020, made in 1988. This has a woodenblock around the base. Riggerdood I was looking at those spreader covers as well and was wondering about the velcro holding?
Thanks for the suggestions
Tom
No prob Tom. The velcro has held well for 2+ years. It doesn't wear much because they don't get taken off/put back on very often. I think I've taken them off twice in that time, to inspect the rigging wire that keeps the shroud in the spreader slot. If they ever show any signs of not holding, I'll just wrap some zip ties or rigging wire around them.
Quote from: Straander on Apr 07, 2023, 11:25 AMThe P165's spreaders are only 5/8"s. You said that the small can go smaller then a 1" spreader?
Yes, I believe so, but you wouldn't have as much velcro mating surface, so you might need to wrap them with zip ties or rigging wire, or even rigging tape might work.
Dang. Looks like according to that image below my spreaders diameter of 16mm is way too small for the smallest one of these.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T1/images/S/aplus-media/sc/9cd320dc-f4ab-4ad3-9bc9-99ec8ed25043.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 07, 2023, 12:37 PMQuote from: Straander on Apr 07, 2023, 11:25 AMThe P165's spreaders are only 5/8"s. You said that the small can go smaller then a 1" spreader?
Yes, I believe so, but you wouldn't have as much velcro mating surface, so you might need to wrap them with zip ties or rigging wire, or even rigging tape might work.
No wonder the electrical is a little different from my boat built 20 yrs later. Sorry for the confusion.
Quote from: Straander on Apr 07, 2023, 12:59 PMDang. Looks like according to that image below my spreaders diameter of 16mm is way too small for the smallest one of these.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T1/images/S/aplus-media/sc/9cd320dc-f4ab-4ad3-9bc9-99ec8ed25043.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
Hmmm, I seem to recall them having a similar chart for round spreader tubes? That chart is for flat spreaders, and the specs would be different for round ones. If you'd like, next time I have the mast down, I could take one off and wrap it around a piece of 5/8" tubing I have left over from another project, just as a test?
As a P165'er, I think that would be great, Tim!
Actually, looking at it right now, I might be able to reach the stbd spreader end from the garage roof, and not have to drop the mast. I'll give it a try tomorrow.
QuotePosted by Riggerdood - Apr 08, 2023, 10:23 PM
Actually, looking at it right now, I might be able to reach the stbd spreader end from the garage roof, and not have to drop the mast. I'll give it a try tomorrow.
:o
Careful Tim!
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 08, 2023, 10:23 PMActually, looking at it right now, I might be able to reach the stbd spreader end from the garage roof, and not have to drop the mast. I'll give it a try tomorrow.
No rush, Tim. I'm just into the second year of my Taylor Made.
Sure. Thatd be very helpful.
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 07, 2023, 11:30 PMQuote from: Straander on Apr 07, 2023, 12:59 PMDang. Looks like according to that image below my spreaders diameter of 16mm is way too small for the smallest one of these.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T1/images/S/aplus-media/sc/9cd320dc-f4ab-4ad3-9bc9-99ec8ed25043.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
Hmmm, I seem to recall them having a similar chart for round spreader tubes? That chart is for flat spreaders, and the specs would be different for round ones. If you'd like, next time I have the mast down, I could take one off and wrap it around a piece of 5/8" tubing I have left over from another project, just as a test?
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 07, 2023, 11:30 PM
Quote from: DBthal on Apr 09, 2023, 08:00 AM:o
Careful Tim!
I was Dan, and I couldn't reach it. Gonna have to lower the mast.
Guys, I couldn't reach the spreader from the roof, so gonna have to lower the mast, prolly tomorrow.
OK, lowered the mast today, and discovered an error in my previous posts: Rum Line's spreaders are 1-1/8" diameter, not the 1" I had remembered (it's been 2 years, OK?). The covers I bought are indeed part # 1050, the smallest ones they offer. As someone who used to sew stuff for a living, it's doubtful they could make one much smaller using the same design template, but I digress. The first pic shows it installed on Rum Line. It's about as snug as I can make it without overlapping the two sides, which it never occurred to me to try until about a minute after taking it off and putting it on the 5/8" piece of copper pipe in the second pic.
Bottom line? I still think these could work on the P-165's 5/8" spreaders. Might not be the prettiest install, but given the way these things completely wrap around and encapsulate the spreader end/shroud, they wouldn't be going anywhere.
One thing to keep in mind is that you still need a proper wire tie inside the cover, that keeps the shroud in the groove of the spreader end, but still allows it to slide freely.
Let me know what you think.
SPREADER_COVER_1_RESIZED.jpg
SPREADER_COVER_2_RESIZED.jpg
Looks great, Tim, thanks so much for the effort! I'll probably go with these once my Taylor Mades fall apart.
No prob Frank - I was as curious as you guys were. While the mast is down, I'm also taking the opportunity to McLube the sheaves and mast slot since it's been a while.
One thing I've learned from this thread is that the spreaders on P-18s (at least the old ones) are pretty small compared to other boats. I haven't measured them but I doubt the diameter is even 5/8. I'll have to measure tonight when I get home.
Thank you. I think I will get them too.
on your comment involving the wire tie: The P165 has a screw that you tighten in to keep the shrouds in the end of the spreaders. Is that the function you had in mind? Or Is the wire tie needed for something else?
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 11, 2023, 12:37 AMOK, lowered the mast today, and discovered an error in my previous posts: Rum Line's spreaders are 1-1/8" diameter, not the 1" I had remembered (it's been 2 years, OK?). The covers I bought are indeed part # 1050, the smallest ones they offer. As someone who used to sew stuff for a living, it's doubtful they could make one much smaller using the same design template, but I digress. The first pic shows it installed on Rum Line. It's about as snug as I can make it without overlapping the two sides, which it never occurred to me to try until about a minute after taking it off and putting it on the 5/8" piece of copper pipe in the second pic.
Bottom line? I still think these could work on the P-165's 5/8" spreaders. Might not be the prettiest install, but given the way these things completely wrap around and encapsulate the spreader end/shroud, they wouldn't be going anywhere.
One thing to keep in mind is that you still need a proper wire tie inside the cover, that keeps the shroud in the groove of the spreader end, but still allows it to slide freely.
Let me know what you think.
SPREADER_COVER_1_RESIZED.jpg
SPREADER_COVER_2_RESIZED.jpg
Quote from: tjspiel on Apr 11, 2023, 12:23 PMOne thing I've learned from this thread is that the spreaders on P-18s (at least the old ones) are pretty small compared to other boats. I haven't measured them but I doubt the diameter is even 5/8. I'll have to measure tonight when I get home.
Wow, really Tom? I can't imagine they'd be smaller than the 165? These on Rum Line seem to be proportional to other similar sized boats. I know on the DS they came up with "heavy duty" spreaders because the originals were undersized. Those also corresponded to the standing rigging being upgraded to 1/8" cable.
Quote from: Straander on Apr 11, 2023, 01:15 PMThank you. I think I will get them too.
on your comment involving the wire tie: The P165 has a screw that you tighten in to keep the shrouds in the end of the spreaders. Is that the function you had in mind? Or Is the wire tie needed for something else?
No prob Straander. I'm not familiar with the fittings on the ends of the 165 spreaders. The RS22 has a round end cap with a groove for the shroud, and a couple of holes in the spreader to pass the rigging wire through. As long as the screw that you mention keeps the shroud in place while still allowing it to slide freely, you should be good to go, and simply install the boots over that.
Quote from: Riggerdood on Apr 11, 2023, 11:51 AMNo prob Frank - I was as curious as you guys were. While the mast is down, I'm also taking the opportunity to McLube the sheaves and mast slot since it's been a while.
Come to think of it, maybe I'll lube mine too since my mast is down right now. I was surprised when I was modifying that HDPE structure to support the antenna that the sheaves were just nylon wheels rotating on bolts. I had imagined something more elaborate with bearings.
Checked with Bill on the 21 spreaders and he said they are 50cm so I've ordered the small set for my boat.
50cm Tom? That can't be right. That's like 20 inches. Must be the length rather than the diameter?
DOH! 50 MM shouldn't post until after me second cup of tea.
I thought maybe you meant 50 mm, but even that is just shy of 2 inches, which seems like a pretty big diameter for a 21? No matter, the small size would still work.