When I'm lowering my main, the slides on the sail often get hung up on the gate to the mast track. Luckily this doesn't happen when I'm raising the sail, but I'm wondering if anybody has a suggestion on how I can fix the gate so the sail drops easily.
It's not a big problem, but it can be annoying.
Thanks, as always,
--Joe
Gate to mainsail track is sticky
Moderator: Jim Walsh
- Joe Myerson
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Feb 6th, '05, 11:22
- Location: s/v Creme Brulee, CD 25D, Hull #80, Squeteague Harbor, MA
Gate to mainsail track is sticky
Former Commodore, CDSOA
Former Captain, Northeast Fleet
S/V Crème Brûlée, CD 25D, Hull # 80
"What a greate matter it is to saile a shyppe or goe to sea."
--Capt. John Smith, 1627
Former Captain, Northeast Fleet
S/V Crème Brûlée, CD 25D, Hull # 80
"What a greate matter it is to saile a shyppe or goe to sea."
--Capt. John Smith, 1627
- barfwinkle
- Posts: 2169
- Joined: Feb 6th, '05, 10:34
- Location: S/V Rhapsody CD25D
Same issue
Joe, I have the same issue from time to time and usually a healthy shot of teflon/silicone spray helps significantly.
Fair Winds
Fair Winds
Bill Member #250.
- Mark Yashinsky
- Posts: 258
- Joined: Feb 6th, '05, 15:24
- Location: 1980 CD27, #173
Second Chance
Examine the gate and the the surrounding mast.
The gate, when locked closed, should be tight fitting and inside should look to the sail slide, just like the mast track, ideally, with no noticeable transition from the mast track. You may have to do things like modify the gate lock, so it does not get forced open a little, or either add, or remove gate material, so that the slide does not hang, when going from mast to gate OR from gate back to mast track. One could be deeper than the other or could just be presenting a completely different cross section. Also look at the gap between the gate and the mast, at the top or bottom of the gate. Too large a gap and the slide could catch there.
I did a number of modifications to the gate, both on the lock and where it goes into the mast track, so the slides run smoothly thru it. I also had to modify the batten slides, as they had an I beam shape, so they would also catch on the outside of the gate.
I did a number of modifications to the gate, both on the lock and where it goes into the mast track, so the slides run smoothly thru it. I also had to modify the batten slides, as they had an I beam shape, so they would also catch on the outside of the gate.
lube
I lube mine every 6 months or as soon as the slugs start to stick in the gate with McLube Sailcote dry lube. I also use it on everyting that moves. Works wonders on zippers. Also lube up as high as you can in the sail track. Good Old Boat has an article on making a tool that slides up the track and carries a spray can with a line to the deck for application. Might make a nice winter project.
Randy 25D Seraph #161