genoa tracks

[csavage]

have out board tracks installed and considering removing; approx 12 holes both sides;
or better to leave?
will need to fill holes;
advice from those with exp. appreciated;

 

[Anonymous 121765]

CSA,

I take it you mean the short track on the toerail starting aft of the cabin structure.

Is your plan to replace with straight track thru the deck? If so what is your reasoning, foot clearance with respect to the running line?

It should be a question of preference. Personally, I would leave the track as it also maintaines bolting of the hull flange to the topside mold.

My thought is why interfere with this presealed condition, In addition, the track may be useful for other purposes not thought of yet. I have a 1980 cat30 with tracks on the deck and it's an inconvenience for stepping around also.

So in ending, it will be your decision if relocating your tracks will be worth the hassel. Good luck in your choice.

CR

 

[Stu Jackson]

I agree with Ron. Leave 'em. I wish I had outboard tracks on our boat - they were an option the PO didn't get (one of only a few he "missed"). Outboard tracks are extremely useful for going downwind with a stock 110 jib or larger, whether you use a whisker pole or not. And that's even before making more work for yourself than is necessary by taking them out and filling the holes. If you don't want 'em, I'll take 'em! Don't you have any other boat projects on your To Do list?!?

 

[csavage]

thanks for the feedback, however I should have provided better info;
these tracks are not the ones aft of the cabin on the toe rail;
they have been installed by a PO just inside the toe rail, beginning about a foot forward of the inboard standard tracks and extend aft to approx. the main winches.
I stated that there were about a dozen screws; there are more like 26 at 5" centers on each side;
based on your feedback though I'm inclined to leave them, however will plan to rebed the screws.