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Re: Sliding spreader bar?

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 8:36 am
by ericb
Before I hack the hook on this spreader, does anyone see any issues with this set-up? My reach might increase a little but I like keeping the factory release and don't want to remove the CL in case I resell the kite and bar.

Re: Sliding spreader bar?

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 8:49 am
by sflinux
demo243 wrote:Then switched to the largest sail thimble Westmarine had
http://www.westmarine.com/ronstan--stai ... 65_006_526
Image
made the switch to the sail thimble because the wider and shallower angle of the metal on line transition allowed it to move smoother.
Anyone know if the thimbles have a load rating? I'd be worried they'd break for this application.

Re: Sliding spreader bar?

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:00 am
by ozchrisb
I don't think so. And are they even welded on the seam? That one looks like it's just pressed into a loop. They're made to protect rigging, not carry load. These would be better:
http://www.westmarine.com/sailboat-bloc ... --14433676 although they don't handle thick line. These look good:
http://www.ronstan.com/marine/range.asp?RnID=428

Re: Sliding spreader bar?

Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2014 8:42 pm
by demo243
ericb wrote:Before I hack the hook on this spreader, does anyone see any issues with this set-up? My reach might increase a little but I like keeping the factory release and don't want to remove the CL in case I resell the kite and bar.
The only issue would be that your carabiner has nothing to keep lines from accidentally clipping into them. If using a carabiner I highly suggest a locking one so that in the event of a crash or a washing machine in the waves stray lines are not able to clip themselves in.


On the thimbles I do not know if they have a load rating... no issues so far with mine and I have used it in some powered conditions... Those "low friction" rings are very interesting to me. Would love to try one, but the cost is pretty high. Also you add another wear point/failure point with the dyneema loop that is needed to attach them.

The small sheaveless block is too small- I have tried it. If they have a new larger one, that could be a great option, though still needs a dyneema loop to connect it