[Public-list] Replacing Wooden Spreaders

[Philip Sparr]

I want to ask everyone for some advice since I am getting ready to replace my wooden spreaders.  I have the mast down, and while taking a close look at the spreaders, I noticed that the spreader tips are swept forward a few inches from the centerline of the mast.  It seems to me that they should be on the centerline, but is there a reason they should be swept forward?  I'm not sure if the spreaders are original.  The spreaders are not symetrical, the leading edge is straight and square, the trailing edge tapers forward towards the spreader tip, and also tapers in the fore and aft direction.  I tried flipping the spreaders upside down, which brings the tips close to the center line, but was told that if the spreaders are tapered( fore and aft) the smaller edge would be aft.  I was planning on just duplicating the old spreaders untill I noticed this.  I basically have three questions:

1) Should the spreader tips be on the centerline?
2) Since I am making new spreaders, I can make them to any profile I want.  Is there any reason they should be Asymetrical in profile(looking down from above)?  I was just thinking about making them symetrical, and tapering them fore and aft similiar to an airfoil.  
3) Is there anything else I should consider while making these?

I'd appreciate any advice.

Philip Sparr
Hull 172,  Chesapeake Bay