Mastgates

[kclancy]

Hi All,

I am having a problem keeping the sail stops on my mast. It seems they like the water more than the mast.... Of course I usually find out I am missing the stop only after I have gone out for a sail and I go to raise the mail only to have it luffing in the wind out of its track. This is a fun time, as all who have been there can attest. It is especially fin when your non-sailing girlfriend is on board. Oh boy!!

In any event, I want to get some opinions on these mastgates from folks that are using them on their boats. Your thoughts and opinions are much appreciated!

All the best,
Kevin

 

[sail sfbay]

Might read this thread on this subject: Mainsail settup

Are you referring to this: https://www.mastgates.com/

Or sail track stops from Catalina: Sail Track Stop Round

 

[kclancy]

I'm done with the sail track stops, my apologies for not knowing the proper term. Those stops have the tendency to come unattached and lost to the drink.

 

[Justin_NSA]

I installed the Mastgate on my MacGregor. It involved closing up the slot with a hammer and 2x4. I sold the boat but the system worked well. My Hunter has a screw-on gate. I only have to remove it twice a year to take the main on and off.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Save hassles and buy one from mastgates.com. i got the bungie hinged one and it works great, with no hardware to lose.

 

[gkmoore]

I'm using the 3d printed gate from Mastgates.com-- have used it last 3 seasons with good results, occasionally my sail slugs catch on it, but overall I've been very pleased with it.

 

[Lafayette Mike]

I bought the mast gates from Catalina Direct. Work great, never seem to catch on anything. They use machine screws to hold them in. No problem drilling or tapping the holes.

I only take the sail off the mast/boom a couple of times per year though. Not sure if taking them on and off every time I sailed would work withought either stripping the holes or losing some screws!

Mike

 

[Lazy1]

just keep about 10 of the screws onboard and don't drop the gates themselves.

 

[ShotgunSlim]

I bought the CD mast gates years ago and would put them on when the boat would be on the water for a few days at a time but usually wouldn't bother with them on a day sail and would use a sail stop instead. There was a post somewhere a couple of months ago where the poster modified his CD mast gates' slots so they could stay on the mast. I drilled and dremeled mine the same way but have yet to put them on the boat since I'm still healing from shoulder surgery and Kellie Marie is under a tarp.

 

[rpludwig]

call Tom Lugue at Mastgates.com, very helpful guy, I have the 3d printed one, the metal ones are great too....simple, inexpensive, necessary IMO...

 

[kclancy]

call Tom Lugue at Mastgates.com, very helpful guy, I have the 3d printed one, the metal ones are great too....simple, inexpensive, necessary IMO...

It sounds like Mastgates are the ticket. I'm going to measure my opening and give Tom a call to place an order. Thanks all!

 

[Justin_NSA]

I think you can order extra bungee cord as well. It does age over time.

 

[Gene Neill]

Save hassles and buy one from mastgates.com. i got the bungie hinged one and it works great, with no hardware to lose.

That's the one we have. It works 100%, we love it. I keep a spare set of the plastic push pins and shock cord on hand, but have only replaced them once, and even then just as preventative maintenance, not because they failed.