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        Beneteau is no longer handling any replacement parts for the US Spars 
        Delta Z190 mast and Z160 Boom.  All parts can be obtained 
        directly from US Spars, however.   
         
        US Spars, located in Gainsville, FL, is very good to deal with and can 
        usually supply most parts relatively quickly.   
         
        One can actually order or get part information directly through their 
        website via Beneteau235.com using the part  info/form order request 
        at right.  This will simply bring up the part in question with a 
        picture, description, and pricing.  You will then have the option 
        to purchase the part via US Spars secure shopping page if interested.  
        Just enter the part# to view! 
         
        US Spars Z190 System 125 Spreader Kit 
         ~  Click above for large view  ~ 
         
        A smart $145 upgrade to most F235 Masts. See  
        pics via the Mast/Spreader 
        Thread via the F235 Forums 
       If there is one Z190 upgrade that seems warranted, 
        it has to be the System 125 Spreader Refit kit (see pic 
        above).  There have been a few reported mast problems caused by broken 
        spreader base castings or crumpling of the mast at the base (see cracked 
        '87 base below right).  Some of the later masts have the earlier 
        comression post kit that was a through-bolt affair.  It seems 
        US Spars now has a newer kit version, described below.  Unfortunately, 
        a majority of the Z190 masts have bases that were under-engineered and 
        prone to failure in the wrong conditions. 
         
        F235 owner, Kevin Meechan, ordered the latest kit and reports, "The 
        oversize mast section sleeve fits over the main mast section, and the 
        wrap-around base-plate over that – attached with medium length 3/16" 
        SS rivets. The only liability appears to be a bit more weight aloft.   
        It's defnitely a stronger system."     
         
        I'm not sure when the first refit was introduced as standard with the 
        Z190 but I know that 1989 boats did not have the upgrade. The forum 
        thread listed below the kit picture above has some pics and info.  
        I know of at least one or two masts lost to the cracked spreader problem.  
        Since there were a rash of storms over the last few years, US Spars has 
        been behind on mast replacement so a few have had to wait several months 
        for a replacement.   
         
        If you want more info on the refit, call the factory to talk with George 
        or Julian, each having helped other F235 owners in the past, whether it 
        be replacing individual parts or ordering an entire new mast.   
         
        On another note, many owners with 87 masts are doing upgrades of the early 
        mast base since it has a propensity to twist if not careful while stepping 
        the mast.  The pivot point is much more narrow and the base offers 
        far less of a holding point.  The 87 Mast Base also carries 
        the sheaves within.  The later mast bases offer far more support 
        with a better mast to foot attachment point.  See the comparison 
        in the shots below right.  Click shot for full view. 
      The conversion does involve a drop in your mast 
        height as the later base is shorter.  There was a good discussion 
        of this in the forums where members discussed their choices:  http://beneteau235.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=58 
       It's still not clear to me if a purchase of all 
        new SecoSouth 
        rigging would keep one from having to add a spacer plate.  One will 
        definitely have to cut out new halyard exit points in the mast since the 
        original 87 base had the sheaves.  The next question must be is 
        the actual mast length between any different.  IF not, I would 
        go with a call to SecoSouth 
        for their $325 set of complete rigging. 
       
      US Spars Inc.  
        Ask for Julian Crisp  
        6320 NW 123rd Place  
        Gainesville, FL 32653  
        PH: 386-462-3760  
        info@usspars.com 
         
        Julian@usspars.com 
         
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                Click above - Early 87 & Later Mast Base Comparison  | 
           
         
          
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