Just bought a 1989 Hunter 23 and I noticed that the main sail attaches to the mast via some plastic slides inside the mast. My question is: when I go to raise the main sail, does the head of the sail slip into this track on the mast or does it stay outside the track? Thanks in advance.
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Chip Tobey
The slides (or slugs) are the only part
of the sail that goes into the track. Do yourself a favor and clean out the track. Some folks even put a drop of Ivory dish detergent on each slug as they raise the sail to lubricate them. It doesn't stain and is washed off with each rain.
of the sail that goes into the track. Do yourself a favor and clean out the track. Some folks even put a drop of Ivory dish detergent on each slug as they raise the sail to lubricate them. It doesn't stain and is washed off with each rain.
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Tim H.
Hi Tim
The head of the sail is sewn to a headboard which should have two plastic slugs on it. These slugs are a little bit heavier than the other sail slugs but they're also supposed to fit in the track. One trick for lubricating the track is to put a piece of beeswax into the track between the headboard slugs. Beeswax is a dry lubricant (won't collect dirt) and that little piece will ride up the full length of the track each time you raise the sail. Another option is to buy a can of McLube or SailKote (aerosol dry lubricant). Before you raise the mast at the beginning of the season, run a shot of spray inside the track for the full length above the boom using the little snorkel tube. Give the axles of the masthead sheaves a shot of spray while you're at it. Hoisting and dousing the sails will then be a breeze. Welcome aboard and happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
The head of the sail is sewn to a headboard which should have two plastic slugs on it. These slugs are a little bit heavier than the other sail slugs but they're also supposed to fit in the track. One trick for lubricating the track is to put a piece of beeswax into the track between the headboard slugs. Beeswax is a dry lubricant (won't collect dirt) and that little piece will ride up the full length of the track each time you raise the sail. Another option is to buy a can of McLube or SailKote (aerosol dry lubricant). Before you raise the mast at the beginning of the season, run a shot of spray inside the track for the full length above the boom using the little snorkel tube. Give the axles of the masthead sheaves a shot of spray while you're at it. Hoisting and dousing the sails will then be a breeze. Welcome aboard and happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
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Tim H.
Thanks, Peter
Peter, Thanks for the advice. I've read many of your posts and you sure know this boat. I think I will try the beeswax idea. There is a bee hive factroy just up the road for me so the wax is very available, and the mast is up on my boat. Since I am new to all this I may not try to unstep the mast just yet. Maybe at the end of the season. Thanks again, Tim Hayes
Peter, Thanks for the advice. I've read many of your posts and you sure know this boat. I think I will try the beeswax idea. There is a bee hive factroy just up the road for me so the wax is very available, and the mast is up on my boat. Since I am new to all this I may not try to unstep the mast just yet. Maybe at the end of the season. Thanks again, Tim Hayes
Hi again Tim
Glad I could help, but I really can't claim credit for most of the stuff I've posted. When I was an H23 rookie, I got help here in the Smaller Boats Forum from more experienced H23 sailors like George Hack, Jon Bastien, Cliff Ruckstuhl, Greg Stebbins, Mike Bacombe and Crazy Dave Condon, to name a few. I also learned the hard way, i.e. by making many mistakes. By sharing my experiences, I hope I can help other H23 sailors, especially those new to the boat and to sailing, to learn and enjoy this great little boat, while avoiding some of the screw-ups I made. Isn't that forums like these are all about? Peter H23 "Raven"
Glad I could help, but I really can't claim credit for most of the stuff I've posted. When I was an H23 rookie, I got help here in the Smaller Boats Forum from more experienced H23 sailors like George Hack, Jon Bastien, Cliff Ruckstuhl, Greg Stebbins, Mike Bacombe and Crazy Dave Condon, to name a few. I also learned the hard way, i.e. by making many mistakes. By sharing my experiences, I hope I can help other H23 sailors, especially those new to the boat and to sailing, to learn and enjoy this great little boat, while avoiding some of the screw-ups I made. Isn't that forums like these are all about? Peter H23 "Raven"
Peter
It is nice to see people who came to the list as novices become the mentors, Peter I still read the list , not as avididly as I once did , also it is seasonal, but your advice is always right on and I guess you have been here so long I thought that you were one of the old timers, , I know Cliff has gone to the larger boat forums, but wondered what has happened to some of the others you mentioned, hope everyone has a great summer sailing , , MIkeBacome
It is nice to see people who came to the list as novices become the mentors, Peter I still read the list , not as avididly as I once did , also it is seasonal, but your advice is always right on and I guess you have been here so long I thought that you were one of the old timers, , I know Cliff has gone to the larger boat forums, but wondered what has happened to some of the others you mentioned, hope everyone has a great summer sailing , , MIkeBacome
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