Thanks for all the comments! Cracks in aluminum have a tendency to propagate--so, small cracks can turn into bigger problems. Since this is easy to fix here and difficult to fix later in the Bahamas, I'm fixing it here. I am having my spreaders removed (one at a time) and having them weld repaired and reinstalled in the middle of July when we return from our month-long sailing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. One crack is the lower starboard spreader was worse than the small crack in the lower port spreader. My rigger thought my rigging was a bit loose and this may have caused the cracks in the spreaders.
The spreaders are under compressive load and a crack along an outer edge (if large enough) can reduce the compressive load capability. As Andy pointed out, if a spreader fails while sailing, your rig comes down and ruins your day. Also, on a sailboat there many things that can ruin your day--it pays to correct the problems that you can identify. Bob Bob Bob Boyer s/v Rainy Days C&C Landfall 38 (Hull # 230) Annapolis, MD (presently in Baltimore) blog: dainyrays.blogspot.com email: [email protected] > On Jun 16, 2016, at 7:39 AM, Andrew Burton via CnC-List > <[email protected]> wrote: > > I would be very concerned about any crack in the spreaders. If they fail, the > mast falls down, which some people find terribly off-putting. > > Andy > C&C 40 > Peregrine > > Andrew Burton > 61 W Narragansett > Newport, RI > USA 02840 > > http://sites.google.com/site/andrewburtonyachtservices/ > +401 965-5260 > >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like >> what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions >> are greatly appreciated! > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like > what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions > are greatly appreciated!
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