Spreader boots -- what size?

[Geoff]

Hi folks, do any of you know what size spreader boots are required on a Compac 23? Mine's a '79 if that matters. Also, are there any brands that are better than others?

I just noticed that I'm missing one. Not looking forward to dropping the mast just for that, so maybe I will find the excuse to replace other rigging or add an extra halyard in case I ever decide to fly a chute.

In the meantime, if the weather is favorable, tomorrow is Independence Day, and it seems like a good day to take a sail.

Geoff

[skip1930]

I don't really know the correct size for the CP-23, however I do know that the smallest size West Marine sells is too large for a CP-19.
So without much choice, I'd go with the smallest size for both boats.

Remember that those plastic 'Zip Strips Ties' deteriorate in sunlight, embrittle and fall off. Wire them on with copper wire.

A 12 [?] foot ladder or extension ladder tied to the deck and mast/spreader will have you working on the boot toot~sweat.

skip.

[brackish]

I went by the thrift store, bought a soft leather women's purse for a couple of bucks, cut it up and made mine out of leather.  Remember, the primary purpose is to keep from hanging and damaging your sails on the spreaders, so don't leave anything sharp exposed.

[Mattlikesbikes]

 I just replaced mine on my 19.  I also was not sure what size so I ordered both the small and the medium from defender.com .   Even though the small did fit it did not close all the way around the spreader.  the mediums worked out pretty good plus they where the same size as the old ones.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|107602|297680&id=1004606

I also did not notice the spreader boot was hanging off until after I was in the water. What I did was build a quick crutch out of 2x4 to support the mast while still in the tabernacle while I worked on it. Took all of 15 min to lower the mast replace the boots and raise the mast all on the water.  I am not sure how much more difficult it would be on the 23 but it was a piece of cake on the 19

[skip1930]

Interesting 'eye brows'. And vessel safety check sticker. Older boat with wood inside, keeping the ports from protruding out of the 'dog house'.
Actually I don't know if Com-Pac made an 'XL' fiberglass overhead liner for a CP-23.

I like brackish's idea of cutting your own out of leather.
My anchor mooring line is protected against chaffing with the leather cuff of my old retired welding gloves.
I always carry some leather and needle with 'light stuff' for a quick sew-up if something needs it.

skip.

[Geoff]

Very good idea on the scrap leather! I can see using that for other purposes as well, like a low-profile boot cover for turnbuckles and other places that attract toes and loose skin..

[Bob23]

I replaced the boots on my 23 a few years ago but don't remember where I got 'em or what size. I'd check Defender.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|107602|297680&id=1004588
   
   But I like the idea of recylcing some old leather for new boots. I have an ample supply of old Carhart work pants material lying around for collars around my dingys oars, chaff protection for my mooring lines and general anti chaff tasks. After the knees wear out, I turn the pants into shorts but have plenty of material leftover.
Bob23

[Geoff]

Any ideas for getting up to the spreader end without dropping the mast? I don't have a bosun chair. I have access to plenty of different ladders, but can't visualize how I'd set one up (and ensure that I don't go to the ER!).

Geoff

[Bob23]

Geoff:
   I recently had the priviledge of helping JT get his 23 off the bottom...long story and I promised not to say too much here. But we ran a long line from the main halyard and, standing in the waist deep water, pulled and pulled heeling the boat over in effect, decreasing the draft while the keel rose off the bottom. It took a lot of us!
   But I bet if you could tie the boat off, fore and aft to something stationary and were able to pull with sufficient force, you could pull the rig down enough to reach the spreaders if you were standing on a dock. Let me know if it works. Don't go up a ladder. A bosuns chair will work fine.
Bob23

[NateD]

I'm relatively young and fit, so this might not work for everyone, but I've shimmied up the mast to replace the boots on my 23 before. Once you can kind of stand or sit on top of the spreaders (keeping your weight close to the mast) while you do the work one-handed.

Another idea I've toyed with, but haven't tried, is making a rope ladder using man-harness knot method (http://www.extopian.com/featured/rope-craft-two-techniques-for-making-a-rope-ladder-in-the-field/), then attaching a few sail slides to it and running it up the slot on the mast with a halyard. Downside is you would have to take the mainsail slugs out to run that thing up, but that is pretty minimal work compared to dropping the mast.