Sail Slides Catch on Sail Gate on our CD36

[Frank D. Miller]

We have a CD36 (1982). When we hoist the mainsail, the sail slides catch on the sail gate every single time. Is there a solution to this problem? Has anyone had this problem and repaired it successfully? Or seen it repaired successfully on the CD36? Any info would be appreciated.




metalf00t@aol.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

Frank:

I had the same problem with my CD27. The problem is that the gate lies flat over the opening, and the top and bottom of the rectangular slides get caught in the gap.

I fixed the problem by adding a blob of gray plumber's epoxy (like modeling clay) to the end of the gate. After it cured I used a file to shape the end so that it fits into the mast opening and fills the gap. I actually had to add a little more after the original blob cured to get it right. Works great! I recommend painting the masterpiece after it's done because epoxy does not stand up well to sunlight.

Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance

We have a CD36 (1982). When we hoist the mainsail, the sail slides catch on the sail gate every single time. Is there a solution to this problem? Has anyone had this problem and repaired it successfully? Or seen it repaired successfully on the CD36? Any info would be appreciated.

goldy@bestweb.net

[Mike Thompson]

What is plumber's epoxy. How does it compare to
Marine Tex?
Mike
"Haven" CD 28

Frank:

I had the same problem with my CD27. The problem is that the gate lies flat over the opening, and the top and bottom of the rectangular slides get caught in the gap.

I fixed the problem by adding a blob of gray plumber's epoxy (like modeling clay) to the end of the gate. After it cured I used a file etc

tmike@ma.ultranet.com

[Yves Feder W1UX]

Frank:

I had the same problem with my CD27. The problem is that the gate lies flat over the opening, and the top and bottom of the rectangular slides get caught in the gap.

I fixed the problem by adding a blob of gray plumber's epoxy (like modeling clay) to the end of the gate. After it cured I used a file to shape the end so that it fits into the mast opening and fills the gap. I actually had to add a little more after the original blob cured to get it right. Works great! I recommend painting the masterpiece after it's done because epoxy does not stand up well to sunlight.

Bill Goldsmith
CD27 #173
Second Chance

I had exactly the same problem and was gonna do the "sticky" thing but discovered that the SIZE of the cotter pin you use in there to hold the gate shut has everything to do with whether or not the gate lies absolutely flat. I was using too small a pin. I went to a larger one, that seemed to fit very snugly in the predrilled gate hole, and it is holding the gate piece totally and completely flat against the mast. No play. The slides go up and down like greased lightning!

Got the pin in one of those $10.00 boxes of several dozen assorted SS cotter pins.

Good luck and Happy rapid hoisting/dropping the main!

Yves
CD-27 #4 "Alphee"
Stonington, CT



saltwater@tinyradio.com

[Jerry Albright]

I struggled with the same problem,I used clear silicone caulk to keep the gate closed. Worked like a charm,is almost invisible,and can be removed easily.

Jerry Albright
CD27 "DOLPHIN"



nauticalw@aol.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

Mike:

It is sold in hardware stores (gasp!!) in a small roll that you cut like those cookie roll tubes. It has the two parts built in and you knead it like modeling clay to mix it. I chose it over marine-tex only because it is dark gray and I had some handy but I am sure marine tex would work as well.

Bill

What is plumber's epoxy. How does it compare to
Marine Tex?
Mike
"Haven" CD 28

Frank:

I had the same problem with my CD27. The problem is that the gate lies flat over the opening, and the top and bottom of the rectangular slides get caught in the gap.

I fixed the problem by adding a blob of gray plumber's epoxy (like modeling clay) to the end of the gate. After it cured I used a file etc

goldy@bestweb.net

[Bill Goldsmith]

Guys:

From the previous posts to this question it sounds like there are two problems here. Both Jerry and Yves state methods they used to keep the gate closed or snug. On my CD27 mas the problem was not keepimg the gate closed and snug. Even when the gate was closed tightly, the slides were still catching. The portion of the mast track that is cut out to accept the slides sits under the flat gate. Upon raising or lowering the main, slides would invariable angle into that opening because it wasn't being "filled in" by the gate hardware. So I extended the gate hardware with the epoxy to "fill in" the mast track opening to avoid slides getting stuck. Hope that clarifies a bit.

Bill

We have a CD36 (1982). When we hoist the mainsail, the sail slides catch on the sail gate every single time. Is there a solution to this problem? Has anyone had this problem and repaired it successfully? Or seen it repaired successfully on the CD36? Any info would be appreciated.

goldy@bestweb.net

[Mark Yashinsky]

Bill did not add that he put some of the epoxy on the gate where the lock pin fits to tighten up the gate and keep it very snug when locked. Also look at some careful rounding and smoothing so there are no edges on the openning/gate to "catch" the sail slide on.