Main Sail Raising /Lowering

[Greg]

Looking for tips to make main sail raising and lowering a one person job. Specifically keeping it in the mast track. I have tried to use a stop and pull the main all up above the wide slot using the stop to hold the sail in place prior to raising. This seams to work for raising, but thought someone may have a better idea.

 

[Don]

Mast Slot Plates, Gates, or Covers

Whatever you want to call them, I think what you are looking for is a set of covers for the mast slot that would allow the mainsail to fall all the way to the boom without the sail slugs popping out of the slot. These covers are generally handmade out of aluminum or stainless steel and made to fit the slot. I made a set this year from some stock angled aluminum from Home Depot for about 4 or 5 bucks. They do makes things a lot easier if all your lines are led aft and you have lazyjacks. Check out the related link below for more information and instructions on how to make them.

 

[Greg]

Thanks Don, Exactly what I was looking for

Thanks for the help.

 

[Don]

Your Welcome

Glad I could help.

 

[Ed P.]

Internal Gate

Greg,What I did was to get some 1/2 inch pvc pipe at the hardware store, and cut a slot in it to accomodate the sail slugs. Then I tapered the top end to ensure the slugs would slide in easily. The pipe is then inserted into the mast slot, although the mast has to be either off, or lowered sufficiently to provide access to the bottom opening. The lower most sail slug is fixed to the lower end of the pipe with by drilling a very small hole through the pipe and sail slug, then a small nail is used as a pin and trimmed off. The length of the pipe needs to be equal to the length between the boom and the top of the mast slot opening when the boom is at the lowest position.This system has worked well, never jammed and doesn't require drilling any holes in the mast.