Spreader Arm Broke

[berkshire1]

I am new to sailing. I think I have mentioned this before. I bought my first boat in June and I am learning everyday.
When I bought the boat (28' Buccaneer) the port side spreader arm was broken from the mast. It looks like the rivets have been torn out. I have had severl experienced sailors look at it and they all say it is not serious and can be repaired.
I have sailed it like it is but only in light wind (5 knots) with the main sail only. Last night I put the jib up but made sure there was no pressure on that side of the mast.
Here is my question - If I tighten the line on that side without fixing that arm, will that work for now? Or should I just spend the time and money fixing it now? How much pressure is on that side?

[Faster]

If you persist in sailing the boat like it is you will lose the mast. All it would take is a sudden puff.

This is not a difficult repair to have done, and if you drop the rig it could even be a DIY project (but get some advice from your experienced friends)

The geometry will be wrong for the rig if you tighten the shroud without the spreader, and in any event it will be too long to tension properly as is.

Just get it fixed.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by berkshire1

Here is my question - If I tighten the line on that side without fixing that arm, will that work for now? Or should I just spend the time and money fixing it now? How much pressure is on that side?

You are a dismasting waiting to happen- seriously. You should slack the rig and not sail the boat until you have repaired the spreader.

[SteveInMD]

I would take the rig down. I wouldn't go up it in that condition. It wont be as hard as you might think.