[Dave_E]

Hi All,

With the refit of the mast systems complete, as I was restepping the mast, the cap shrouds went neatly into the spreader tips, installed a figure eight safety wire job and now that it's up, I'm not missing the big rubber boots that were previously installed, (much cleaner look). I have a 100% jib on now, and it doesn't come close to the spreader tips, BUT the 150 that's about to go back on will. My safety wire tails are curled and tucked neatly on the bottom of the spreader at the holes. I'm thinking about just taping over the end of the spreader (over the safety wire) and leaving the tip alone. Have any of you done "minimal" taping with success? Thoughts?

Dave

 

[christian.hess]

sew on some leather, tape eventually fails

 

[miatapaul]

I think it really depends on two things, how much do you like going aloft, and do you pull the stick every year? If you don't pull the stick each year and are not particularly fond of going up, then either get some leather, or one of the rubber/synthetic material kits and put it on them. Some people love to go up in the bousen's char and look for any excuse to go up, others would prefer to do stuff so it lasts!

 

[christian.hess]

beleive it or not leather to me at least outlasts all other materials

the rubber boots(what I currently have) get brittle, crack and chalk away...tape just gets undwinded and messy and unless you want sheeps wool to look like an old gaffer probably your best bet is leather well at least to me

plenty of choices really

 

[DonScribner]

I replaced my rubber boots last year because they had more wrinkles that my great grandmother. I bought new rubber and I was appalled at how poorly they fit. I added extra tape. Well, I'm not impressed with any rigging tape that I've used so far. It all seems to pull away after a time in the weather and become auxiliary telltales. I've heard good stuff about leather. They (whoever that might be) sell kits for about $75/pair. I'm considering getting some leather from a craft store, making some molds and stretch-forming some new ones. Gotta be different!

 

[IStream]

I've had good luck with self-amalgamating tape for wrapping cotter pins on turnbuckles at deck level. It won't unwind and it's reasonably UV resistant. That said, I don't like to go up the mast if I can help it and I don't pull the stick unless forced, so I prefer the leather solution for the spreaders.

 

[christian.hess]

I replaced my rubber boots last year because they had more wrinkles that my great grandmother. I bought new rubber and I was appalled at how poorly they fit. I added extra tape. Well, I'm not impressed with any rigging tape that I've used so far. It all seems to pull away after a time in the weather and become auxiliary telltales. I've heard good stuff about leather. They (whoever that might be) sell kits for about $75/pair. I'm considering getting some leather from a craft store, making some molds and stretch-forming some new ones. Gotta be different!

thats a bit expensive

there is treated raw hide that you can buy, you can also treat it yourself forget what you boil it with...

 

[SloopJonB]

Elk Hide is the grey hide that is used on wheels. I understand it's the best on boats but don't know why.

 

[Mjfossler]

I used Rescue 911 tape to install new spreader boots.