Spreader (sailboat)

A spreader is a spar on a sailing boat used to deflect the shrouds to allow them to better support the mast.

This allows the mast and rigging to be lighter and thinner, reducing their total weight.

[3] Spreaders may be made of metal, often aluminium; wood, often spruce; or composite material such as carbon fiber.

The length of a boat's beam determines how long the spreaders may be, so some boats have multiple sets of spreaders so the shroud can reach the desired angle from the mast.

[2] Boats with tall masts, such as racing yachts, may have up to five sets.