Starboard spreader issue

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Absolutely
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Starboard spreader issue

Hi all,

we were just sailing along with 20 knot winds and loving it. Looked up to check sail trim and noticed I could see daylight between the mast and the spreader base on starboard side.  Cannot see any daylight on port side. This is true on both tacks, and even after we immediately dropped sail.  In other words, we
can still see daylight even after dropping sail.

Can someone explain the attachment system up there for me?  Is there a base that may be separating from the mast?  Thoughts?

We just desire some advice before I head up the mast at anchor this afternoon.  

Thanks!

Dale and Nikki

1998 C36 mkII SR hailing from Poulsbo, WA
1989 C25 TR/WK

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Absolutely
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Just did more research and am feeling like everything is perhaps ok.  I now understand that the base only inserts in the forward half of the spreader, which is why it's possible to see daylight in the aft half.  

Binoculars tell me that two pins are secure in the forward half of the spreader. 

I found the post from March where someone described a similar issue.  I tried moving the stay and, sure enough, was able to open/close that gap.  I went to the port side and tried there and, while it is resting "closed" with no visible daylight, I was able to move the stay and create a daylight gap in the aft portion.  

Still seeking affirmation that all is well, however,
from more experienced people than us.  Is it weird that the port side rests "closed" and the starboard rests slightly "open?"

Dale and Nikki

1998 C36 mkII SR hailing from Poulsbo, WA
1989 C25 TR/WK

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Absolutely
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Posts: 24

And then I find this concerning statement on CD's website in regards to replacing the spreader bar:

"Make sure there are no gaps between the spreader bases, the mast and the spreaders before marking. Remove the spreader bar and drill the holes and reassemble. Check to make sure that there are no gaps between the parts in the final assembly."

Dale and Nikki

1998 C36 mkII SR hailing from Poulsbo, WA
1989 C25 TR/WK

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