fixed vs hinged spreaders

[krustyluv]

I have a 66 Islander 29--last weekend one of the spreaders drooped about 8 inches in a stiff wind--I am gonna fix it tomorrow
why would spreaders be hinged, leaving them open to sag? doesnt it make more sense to have them fixed? am thinking about securing hose clamps or U-clamp shackles above and below spreader to prevent this in future--any ideas?

[Faster]

Our spreaders have clamps incorporated into the tips to prevent slippage.. I've seen clamps such as you describe used as well. Others use SS seizing wire to ensure the leeward shroud can't slip out of the spreader tip accidentally if slack.

Properly set up (equal angles above and below spreader tip) the shroud itself should prevent any movement. The hinged fittings allow this angle to be achieved on whatever rig dimensions without stressing the spreader root.

If you use clips, try to avoid a hodgepodge of different metals, and if you seal/cover/tape it do so in a way that won't trap and hold moisture there.