Spreader boots to prevent chafe

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NewToTheRoad

Adding new sails this year and I want to protect my investment.  The spreaders were previously taped and had a tendency to chafe and eventually rip the 150 genoa.

From experience, which type of spreader boots do you prefer and why?

Rubber ones.  https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?name=taylor-made-rubber-spreader-boots&path=-1|118|2358491|2358503&id=1004624
The sewn on leather kind.  https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1344/spreader-boot-kit-leather-c-250-cp-26-c-270-c-28-c-30-c-310-c-34-c-36-c-400.cfm
The wrap around fabric kind. https://www.westmarine.com/buy/taylor-made--spreader-boots--P002_065_007_507

BTW, my mast is down so I can easily sew new ones on if that is the limiting factor.

Thanks,
  Bryan
Lori & Bryan
1988 C34, M25XP, Std Rig, Fin Keel - Hull # 697
Portsmouth, RI

mdidomenico

i purchased the ones from CD a few years ago for a C250 i had.  i was fairly disappointed.  the boot didn't fit very tightly, they were difficult to sew and they changed color as they aged.  i have to complete the same task this year.
1989 Cat34 #856, original m-25xp

Noah

I have always used leather on other boats so, I bought the leather ones from CD instead of cutting my own, and was not too impressed. Although they work, the fit is mediocre. They have lasted 3-1/2 year so far, so I can't complain too much. Sew them on wet for best fit.
1990 hull #1014, San Diego, CA,  Fin Keel,
Standard Rig

Jim Hardesty

I have a MKll with the aro-shaped spreaders and have always purchased from the spar OEM.  However I'm thinking of installing some rollers to help the sail slide over easier.  Think there are more options but here is what I'm talking about.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/forespar--jib-rollers--111864?recordNum=2

Jim

Jim Hardesty
2001 MKII hull #1570 M35BC  "Shamrock"
sailing Lake Erie
from Commodore Perry Yacht Club
Erie, PA

Ron Hill

Guys : Any spreader boots do NOT last forever!!  You need to check and see how "nimble" they remain after a couple of years! 
UV, rain & drying out always does a job on them over time.

I always had good luck with the "rubber" boots, but changed them every 4 or 5 years.

A thought
Ron, Apache #788

Jim Hardesty

Want to add my 2 cents about wrapping too much tape.  Don't want to trap water and start corrosion.
Jim
Jim Hardesty
2001 MKII hull #1570 M35BC  "Shamrock"
sailing Lake Erie
from Commodore Perry Yacht Club
Erie, PA