Any innovative suggestions on lubricating the tracks on the foils for the headsail and in-mast main furlers before I put on the sails this spring. Boat is in a slip with the mast up.
lubricating sail tracks
- Thread starter Bill C320 Papillon
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mclube
only thing i ever used, but i am interested in what others might say (see honey, i m not that hard headed) regards, mike
only thing i ever used, but i am interested in what others might say (see honey, i m not that hard headed) regards, mike
Simple Paraffin Wax
Just rub the sewn boltrope with el-cheapo parafin wax. Just use a candle. For sail tracks that use slugs, rub the candle into the track or 'whittle' small 'torpedoes' of wax and insert between the slugs .... and the wax will transfer to the track every time you raise the sail. Unlike 'spray products' the wax doesnt attract dirt nor become a sticky goo.
Just rub the sewn boltrope with el-cheapo parafin wax. Just use a candle. For sail tracks that use slugs, rub the candle into the track or 'whittle' small 'torpedoes' of wax and insert between the slugs .... and the wax will transfer to the track every time you raise the sail. Unlike 'spray products' the wax doesnt attract dirt nor become a sticky goo.
McLube Again
I've been using McLube for a couple of years. Definitely give it a try. Works great.
I've been using McLube for a couple of years. Definitely give it a try. Works great.
I also use Mclube, but
I was looking for ways to get it up the entire length of the foils before trying to raise the sails. Last year, it took 2 of us, one feeding/spraying the bolt rope and another on the winch. My sails are't large enough (main about 160sf and genoa about 239sf)that I would think I should have to use a winch to get them up.
I was looking for ways to get it up the entire length of the foils before trying to raise the sails. Last year, it took 2 of us, one feeding/spraying the bolt rope and another on the winch. My sails are't large enough (main about 160sf and genoa about 239sf)that I would think I should have to use a winch to get them up.
Think about this
Morning Bill: There may be some cons to my method by naysayers but I've been using it for years now on my main and never had any problems. I use a small section, about two inches, of 3/8 to 1/2 inch line, whipped on the ends to keep it from fraying. Whatever size that will fit into your track loose enough to travel will be fine. This is inserted in the track between the top two slugs and left there. I keep it lubricated with WD40. Everytime I raise and lower the main, it sweeps any dust or grime out of the track and lubricates it at the same time, from top to bottom. I've never had any problem and it really helps the raising and lowering of the main. If you decide to try this, experiment with it while at dock to make sure that you have the right fit and that you don't experience any jambing problems. If you don't feel comfortable with leaving it in the track, it can be taken out after you get your track cleaned and lubed. I've never had much success at the foresail issue, but fortunately, it's not something that has to be dealt with on a regular basis. Luck!
Morning Bill: There may be some cons to my method by naysayers but I've been using it for years now on my main and never had any problems. I use a small section, about two inches, of 3/8 to 1/2 inch line, whipped on the ends to keep it from fraying. Whatever size that will fit into your track loose enough to travel will be fine. This is inserted in the track between the top two slugs and left there. I keep it lubricated with WD40. Everytime I raise and lower the main, it sweeps any dust or grime out of the track and lubricates it at the same time, from top to bottom. I've never had any problem and it really helps the raising and lowering of the main. If you decide to try this, experiment with it while at dock to make sure that you have the right fit and that you don't experience any jambing problems. If you don't feel comfortable with leaving it in the track, it can be taken out after you get your track cleaned and lubed. I've never had much success at the foresail issue, but fortunately, it's not something that has to be dealt with on a regular basis. Luck!
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