Man, I just read alexkniffin's post about Dwyer making the mast on the 16 and now I'm thinking a number of things, including spreaders. The shrouds on the 16 are angled in enough that they don't leave much room to go forward - has anyone put spreaders on a 16? They look reasonably priced.
Hobnob,
Glad to be an inspiration!
~Alex
The newer CP 16's all have spreaders. My 1990 CP16/3 does.
Lately it seems that most of the time it's been blowin' strong... I find myself leaving the "temp" shrouds on... I beefed up the connection at the spreaders with a stainless tang. (see pic link below)
They really do keep the mast from deflecting... especially when the main is reefed... the force is not spread out over the length of the mast but rather it is increased on the lower portion. Can't wait for my new heavy air main.
Best to Y'all
Dale
http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=random&cat=10114&pos=-810