Any of you guys out there with spreaders.. could you tell me if the bracket that rivets onto the mast that supports the actual spreaders is readily available in any ole Sailing shop.. or do I have to place an order with Hobie? Couldn't find anything in Murray's or Catsailor.com.
Thanks.
In hardware catalogs, they will be called "mast tangs" or "strap tangs", sold in various length, width, thickness and holes.
Check thickness & width of typical installations before buying. ou want 2-3 holes in one end to attach to mast, one in the other end to attach a shroud.
Be sure rivets to attach to mast are SS or Monel, not aluminum, as the shear forces will be quite high.
I had a local shop make one out of Stainless Steel. I used Super Cat's design.
I think the original post is refering to the spreader arm support fitting, not the diamond wire attachments to the mast (ie "tangs" or "hounds"). Since the arm fitting must fit around the mast cross section, these are not readily available for non-beach cat places. Hobie will have it...but Murray's should be able to source it if you get them a part number. Cost will likely be a wash with hobie though.
BTW, you might want to ask what size rivets it needs...I've seen some 1/4" monels used there and those take a special puller to set.
Mike.
APS has the brackets I'm looking for. Although they are for mono's, they should do the trick.