Frank Langer
1984 Ericson 30+, Nanaimo, BC
Hi,
I usually check the mast head (windex, anemometer, radio antenna, halyard sheaves, etc.), spreader tips and re-tape the spreader boots annually to ensure everything is o.k. I have used various rubber/amalgamating tapes on the spreader boots, but they invariably begin to unwrap and look sloppy.
This time I decided to wrap the spreader boots with the usual rubber self-amalgamating tape, but then put on those plastic zip ties for holding electrical wires in place over the rubber tape, and snugged them up really well. The electrical ties are available in white and also in black which is UV protected. I decided to use the white because it doesn't stand out as much; I suspect the white will easily last a year without too much UV damage. If they do degrade, I'll use the black next time. From the deck the plastic zip ties are almost invisible against the white tape, and they will keep the rubber tape from unwrapping. So far I'm pleased with the result.
Frank
I usually check the mast head (windex, anemometer, radio antenna, halyard sheaves, etc.), spreader tips and re-tape the spreader boots annually to ensure everything is o.k. I have used various rubber/amalgamating tapes on the spreader boots, but they invariably begin to unwrap and look sloppy.
This time I decided to wrap the spreader boots with the usual rubber self-amalgamating tape, but then put on those plastic zip ties for holding electrical wires in place over the rubber tape, and snugged them up really well. The electrical ties are available in white and also in black which is UV protected. I decided to use the white because it doesn't stand out as much; I suspect the white will easily last a year without too much UV damage. If they do degrade, I'll use the black next time. From the deck the plastic zip ties are almost invisible against the white tape, and they will keep the rubber tape from unwrapping. So far I'm pleased with the result.
Frank
Last edited: