I would be very careful with using 'just any' ally tube. I'm certain the original would have been specified as Duralumin or aircraft grade ally. Get advice from the supplier about the spec and the need for anodising or you might end up with a very loose mast!
the link below is to Aalco in Aylesbury who have been very helpful for advice in the past.
I bought a 1"aluminium tube , cut it to size, drilled holes and sprayed it with something which I can't remember but will wind up the brain and see if I can in due course. I made 4 but it was several years ago.
Ooops, I gave mine a light sanding before spraying. Still dredging through the memory banks. I have to fess up to the fact that I didn't ask in advance.
Just remebered, it was a tin of silver car spray left over from spraying my car wheels. Obviously totally amateurish but they are still okay and the cost was pennies so I could replace them every year if necessary.
John's post got me thinking. One of my spreaders is a bit bent too. Been like that since I bought the boat a few years ago. So, motivated by all the comments on here I have ordered from the company that Paul suggested.
Rather than the 316 stainless he used, they also do aluminium which is (I believe) the correct grade for spreaders, as referred to by "Rig Rite Inc - Spartan Spars". Their replacement spreaders are made from 6063-T6 grade aluminium. See https://www.rigrite.com/Spars/Spartan_Spars/Sp057 sprdrs.php
So I have ordered 2 custom lengths of 1117mm
Aluminium Tube 25.4mm x 1.6mm ( 1"od x 16swg ) SKU: 977-0 This is quoted as 6063 grade
At a total cost of 16.06 inc VAT and delivery to Scotland! Bargain!
I measured my old spreader and it is 1" (25.4mm) OD, with a 1/16" (1.58mm) wall thickness, making the ID 7/8" (22.22mm). The ID is important for the tip fitting, which I measured at just over 22mm so I am convinced that 16swg is the correct item. That is also what Rig Rite seem to suggest for their replacement spreaders.
That's great David, please let me know what they turn out like! I did look at those too but as it was 'Mill Finish' I wasn't quite sure whether they would corrode (although it says 'corrosion resistance as excellent.) In the end, I decided to go with 316 SS, both from a strength point of view and knowing I will get them stuck lowering the mast. I also did check the additional weight and was about 700grams or so for both spreaders as mine had 2 additional pvc tubes inside, so all in all, not much additional weight.
I would be very careful with using 'just any' ally tube. I'm certain the original would have been specified as Duralumin or aircraft grade ally. Get advice from the supplier about the spec and the need for anodising or you might end up with a very loose mast!
the link below is to Aalco in Aylesbury who have been very helpful for advice in the past.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=aluminium+supplier+aylesbury&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#
I bought a 1"aluminium tube , cut it to size, drilled holes and sprayed it with something which I can't remember but will wind up the brain and see if I can in due course. I made 4 but it was several years ago.
Simon Armitage
If you decide to paint ally, it should be primed with an acid etch primer. The top coat will then adhere to the etch primer
Ooops, I gave mine a light sanding before spraying. Still dredging through the memory banks. I have to fess up to the fact that I didn't ask in advance.
Simon Armitage.
Just remebered, it was a tin of silver car spray left over from spraying my car wheels. Obviously totally amateurish but they are still okay and the cost was pennies so I could replace them every year if necessary.
Simon Armitage
Hello all,
John's post got me thinking. One of my spreaders is a bit bent too. Been like that since I bought the boat a few years ago. So, motivated by all the comments on here I have ordered from the company that Paul suggested.
Rather than the 316 stainless he used, they also do aluminium which is (I believe) the correct grade for spreaders, as referred to by "Rig Rite Inc - Spartan Spars". Their replacement spreaders are made from 6063-T6 grade aluminium. See https://www.rigrite.com/Spars/Spartan_Spars/Sp057 sprdrs.php
So I have ordered 2 custom lengths of 1117mm
Aluminium Tube 25.4mm x 1.6mm ( 1"od x 16swg ) SKU: 977-0 This is quoted as 6063 grade
At a total cost of 16.06 inc VAT and delivery to Scotland! Bargain!
I measured my old spreader and it is 1" (25.4mm) OD, with a 1/16" (1.58mm) wall thickness, making the ID 7/8" (22.22mm). The ID is important for the tip fitting, which I measured at just over 22mm so I am convinced that 16swg is the correct item. That is also what Rig Rite seem to suggest for their replacement spreaders.
Hopefully here in the next day or two.
David
David Kirk
26X Glissando
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
That's great David, please let me know what they turn out like! I did look at those too but as it was 'Mill Finish' I wasn't quite sure whether they would corrode (although it says 'corrosion resistance as excellent.) In the end, I decided to go with 316 SS, both from a strength point of view and knowing I will get them stuck lowering the mast. I also did check the additional weight and was about 700grams or so for both spreaders as mine had 2 additional pvc tubes inside, so all in all, not much additional weight.
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