Broken Sail Slide

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Bob Mc

Bob Mc

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Apr 7, 2012
34
Catalina 28 Worton Creek, MD
While working on the sail track gate on my main I broke one of the plastic slides on the main sail (North Sails) . The best i can describe it is it resembles a handle on a suitcase. I'm not sure how to replace it because it is attached to the luff by a ribbon that is first sewn to the luff then threaded through the "suitcase handle" then sewn back on itself so that I can't replace the slide without being able to sew it on at one end or the other. Can someone tell me my options? This is our first boat. A 1993 Catlina 28. You can be sure you'll be hearing many more question from us.
The best thing about this forum is that someone will actually know what I'm talking about even with this vague explanation.
 
Charlie Jones s/v Tehani

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani

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Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
look up SailRite, order a few sail needles, some hand stitching thread, cut the thread, put the new slide on and stitch it back. I've done several entire sails like that.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Rawcool .... take a loooong walk on Green Point Landings D Dock to as far as you can go (D20 - Boat name "Aquila") and say hello when Im there.
I'll bring my ditty bag and show you 'how' especially if these are 'sewn' on.

The portion that fits INTO the mast are either 'square plates' or a 'cylinder' thats molded to your 'suitcase handle'. Most chandleries on your way to the bay sells them ... the dimensions are important to get a good 'match'. There are 'easier' ways to attach using plastic 'shackles' instead of webbing - not as strong but 'faster/easier' to replace.
example: http://shop.SailboatOwners.com/prod.php?14180
example: http://shop.SailboatOwners.com/prod.php?14178
Plastic shackle example: http://shop.SailboatOwners.com/prod.php?14183
.... size/dimensions matter.
 
S

Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Whether you do it yourself or have a sail loft do it, I would suggest that you replace the top couple and bottom slugs with metal ones. Bainbridge makes quality replacements.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Damn good advice from Steve .... when one slug breaks it usually means 'all' the slugs are getting weak ... from UV exposure.

Would be 'nice' if the slugs were made of BLACK plastic ... better UV resistance.
 
T

Tricia

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Jun 4, 2004
87
Freedom 30 Victoria, BC
there are black sail slides...

Bainbridge makes an excellent UHMW slide called an Allslip. It's shaped like an I-beam so it slides on both the inside and the outside of the track. I used them on the full battened main of my Freedom 25 and they helped a lot - didn't bind against the forward surface of the track like the white ones did. I've since sold the boat, so I can't vouch for longevity, but would expect them to last longer than the white slides.
 
L

LittleFrog

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Feb 2, 2012
12
Oday 27 Aqualand Marina
Plastic Shackles

I have the same kind of slides (slab kind rather than cyliinder) held on by plastic shackles rather than sewn in. So far I have had to replace most of the shackles rather than any of the slides. Seems the shackles are going to be the weak link in the chain. I have a small store of replacement shackles on board and do my best to keep the sail from "flogging". I also keep the goove in the mast lubricated to keep the slides from binding. Something's going to give sooner or later, best to keep repair materials on hand.
 
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