After removing the spreaders from the mast and cleaning them up we could see that the circular ends which holds the fitting which connects the top half of the shrouds too the bottom was close to breaking. The spreaders were original and we could not source a set of like for like replacements so the only option was to restore the fragile ends.
Click on the video below to see how a tired set of salt covered spreaders where restored to a sleek and shiny version which look better than what they would have 20 years ago.
To restore the spreaders we completed the following steps.
Sand blasted the aluminium to clean off the salt buildup and any corrosion.
Created new ends out of sheet aluminium
Cut off the corroded ends before welding the new pieces into place.
Smooth out the welds and any rough edges.
Anodised the spreaders to prevent future corrosion.
Painted the spreaders.
Completing the restoration had added benefits, if we had to purchase new spreaders they would have come with different fittings to join them to the mast which would have required us to drill additional wholes into the section. The Mumm 36 has a very light mast, avoiding any additional wholes maintained the integrity of the mast, reducing the risk of a breakage which would be higher if additional wholes were drilled.
Click the video below to follow the rebuild from the start.
Post a Comment