Difficulty raising mainsail

[CptnRn]

I went sailing this last weekend, for the first time in several months. I encountered significant difficulty raising the mainsail. It acted as if the sail slides were jamming or binding in the mast slot. I'm wondering if I should try to lubricate the slot and slides and what kind of lubricant to use. Such as spray silicone. Does anyone have suggestions on how to clean out the slot and what lubricant to use?

The zipper on the sail cover was also very difficult to zip back up. Is silicone spray safe to use on this, where it might be possible for some of it to get on the sail? I'm wondering if it could possibly damage the sail. I suppose a little vaseline might also be an alternative lubricant for this. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[jssailem]

Would be careful about any product that is thick and goon like. Will attract dirt and really gum things up. Sailcoat and Corrision Block are products that I find myself using. The CB is a product is one I heard about from a Boeing metals engineer. Use it on stainless and aluminum. Should work on metal sail slides. A little goes a long way.

 

[Johnb]

About every 2 years I:
1 Use the halyard with a downhaul to run a rag up and down the track and clean it
2 I have made up kluge to run a can of Maclube up and down with a lanyard to remote control spraying the track.
It is amazing what difference it makes, the sail comes down like Niagara Falls.

For zips we use snapstick zipper lubricant. Comes in a tube like lipstick. The trick is to re apply while you can still move the zip - we use every 3 months.

 

[DougM]

Boeshield or McLube on the sail slugs helps. Then as stated above soak a rag with McLube and hook it to a halyard and a down haul line, slip it into the mast track and slide it up and down.
Chapstick, which is basically Vaseline works for zippers.

 

[Jalepeno]

Check your mainsail halyard sheave(s) at the top of the mast. Mine have a lot of friction and make for difficult hoisting under load.

 

[woodster]

raise the aft end of the boom up as high as you can with the topping lift and also make sure you're cunningham and outhaul is slack when hoisting the sail...you will be surprised what that will do for you

 

[CptnRn]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have ordered some McLube and Snapstick and will try cleaning the slot.

JohnB <<I have made up kluge to run a can of Maclube up and down with a lanyard to remote control spraying the track.>> I found a photo of a similar kluge on another sailing forum. Looks like a clever and very useful set up.

Thanks again!

 

[Gunni]

Mast slot cleaner / lubricator:
http://www.jasperandbailey.com/canvas/track.html

 

[druid]

The BEST lubricant for sail slides (and many other things like companionway boards) is a Secret Formula found only in obscure shops in Gastown... it's called "parafin".

OK, it's candle-wax. Rub some on the slides: it lasts for years, works great, and doesn't damage anything.

druid

 

[jdhohmann]

I use to try lubing up the track, I found not touching it and leaving it to Mother Nature does the best. I would suspect that maybe your Halyard might be wrapped around your back stay causing lots of unwanted friction, its a quick check. Or as someone else mentioned, your sheave may have broken and now is sliding on the mast itself.....

 

[JohnShannon]

the older i get the more I appreciate proper lubrication.