Hunter 37.5 mast gate

[PAC3142]

We just bought a 1994 37.5, which came with tons of extras, but no mast gate to keep the mainsail slugs in the track of the Isomat NG-70 mast. I just installed one from Rig-rite, but the slugs can't get past it. The slugs are similar to the photo stolen from sailrite.com, and the gate is to thick for the "H" part of the slide.

Anybody solved a similar problem? I know what I can do, including building a custom gate or replacing the lower few slugs with ones that pass the gate, but I was wondering what people have done.

Paul

 

[ben solomon]

I have a 1990 37.5. It shouldn't be that difficult. The majority of the slugs should be above the slide lock, anyway. Put all the slugs above the mast gate that will fit. That is what I have to do anyway to get the main in the track. Can you post a photo?

Ben.

 

[ben solomon]

Also, post a pic of the slide lock. I think I know which one you bought. Does it look like a sail slug with a thumb screw to tighten? If so, you got the wrong one. In that case, do what I suggested and put as many slides as will fit above the slide lock. I will post a pic this weekend of what it should look like. Going to the boat Friday.

Ben

 

[PAC3142]

Hi Ben,
I'll take a photo this weekend. We don't have a slide lock. We could keep the slides above the gate, which is what we are doing right now, but then the main cover doesn't fit well, and my wife can't reach the headboard to attach the halyard.

By the way, Swan Creek is one of our favorite anchorages.

Paul

 

[ben solomon]

I will post a pic, too. I am going down Thursday night, so look Friday morning.
Next time your in swan creek, let me know. We can have a drink or three.

Ben

 

[MDBack]

I have a 1993 35.5 with an Isomat mast. I just installed a Tides Marine Strong Track on the mast and no longer need my gate. I won't be back to the boat until 8/15. Could take a picture if you're interested. Let me know.

 

[PAC3142]

Pictures, finally

After three visits to the boat I finally remembered to take a picture of the mast gate. The gate is the correct one for the mast.

MDBack - thanks for the offer, but I have the correct Isomat gate. It's just not working with the slugs.

One picture shows the mast gate slid open, and all the slugs can get past it. (and slip out of the track, which they often do). The lower five slugs interfere with the gate.

The second picture shows the gate closed, and the slug bearing against it and unable to get past.

The PO used a thin piece of plastic for the gate, but we threw out before we realized what it was.

I think I'll keep the gate and shave off the starboard aft leg of the "H", the one hitting the gate, of the lower 5 slugs.

Any other thoughts?

Paul

 

[ben solomon]

Paul,

The entire sail slide should be in the groove on the mast. There should be no flange visible. That should help the slides move past the mast gate. I'll be at the boat labor day and I will take some pictures for you. In the meantime try to get the entire slide in the groove. Your mast gate is the same as mine.

Ben

 

[PAC3142]

Ben,
That's the way they're designed. The groove is too shallow for the outer flange to fit. They are fit as intended, but it doesn't work with the gate. I'll figure something out.

Paul

 

[ben solomon]

What if you rotate the mast gate 180 degrees? I haven't been to the boat in a few weeks due to taking the kids college touring. I will take photos of my set up and sail slides. Unfortunately, I hzvevyo work and labor day weekend is the next time I'll be at the boat. I'll take the photo first thing and I can upload it or email you directly.

Ben

 

[neilleparkerjr]

What if you rotate the mast gate 180 degrees? I haven't been to the boat in a few weeks due to taking the kids college touring. I will take photos of my set up and sail slides. Unfortunately, I hzvevyo work and labor day weekend is the next time I'll be at the boat. I'll take the photo first thing and I can upload it or email you directly. Ben

I have a 1995 37.5 with the same gate as in the picture and have had no trouble with it, once I realized that the more you back out the screw, the further to starboard you can slide the gate. Try unscrewing further.

 

[ben solomon]

Here is my mast gate. Just like yours. As you can see, though, the sail slide is entirely in the groove. You can get different slides on your main, if that works for you.

 

[ben solomon]

THere is my mast gate. I goofed up on the upload, sorry. It is Like yours. As you can see, though, the sail slide is entirely in the groove.

Ben

 

[neilleparkerjr]

I have slides that are T shaped, not H. I have no problems with them. That second (aft) flange is your problem. I get the slides from Bainbridge.

 

[PAC3142]

Thanks. I'm planning to cut the offending flange off the lower five slides. It seems to be the quickest solution.
Paul

 

[neilleparkerjr]

Makes sense to me Paul. Or get the T shaped ones. Whichever you value more, time or money. It's not a lot of either since the only concern is the bottom three to five slides.

 

[garethreeves]

I replace mine with one from http://www.mastgates.com/

 

[skunther]

Thanks. I'm planning to cut the offending flange off the lower five slides. It seems to be the quickest solution.
Paul

Hey, I’m having the exact same issue as you were. I have the exact same gate and slugs, and the exact same problem. Did you cut off the flange of the lower slides, and did that address the issue? Much thanks for any info you could provide.