Main Sail

[Gary]

I have a 1993 Hunter 23.5 that I purchased new. I need to replace the plastic guides that are sewn into the main sail. These plastic guides fit into the boom and the mast to hold the sail to the boom and mast. I have no experience in replacing these. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[Fred]

Sail repairs

GaryDo you have access to a nearby sailmaker? Attaching the guides (they're called slugs or slides) is a very modestly priced service. If you could watch the repair being made, the education alone would be worth the price. Good skills to learn. How are the old ones fixed to the sail? They might be attached using webbing, sewn directly to the sail, or they may snap or crimp on through cringles (grommets) in the sail. Could you pick apart an old attachment and duplicate that method?Check Brion Toss's website: he has books, tools, and materials for all sorts of rigging repairs. None of this stuff is very expensive. Ditto for most of the major marine stores.Fred

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Try this

Measure the size and match it up to those in West Marine catalog. Order as many as you need and then take the sail to your local tailor in Roanoke to sew in the new slugs. Be sure to verify that the slugs you ordered are the right size, or they will be too tight to too loose.