Gate to mainsail track is sticky

[Joe Myerson]

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

[barfwinkle]

Joe, I have the same issue from time to time and usually a healthy shot of teflon/silicone spray helps significantly.

Fair Winds

[Mark Yashinsky]

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.

[rtbates]

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.