Bill and all, I am in the process of ordering a new mainsail for a 45f5, and the Strong Track sail slide system is being recommended to me. I remembered reading a not too enthusiastic review on Strong, so I pulled out my old Practical Sailors, and here is what they say: The Strong track is the heaviest of all the different systems tested (Antal, Harken, Battslide, etc.). They were worried about the plastic track and UV exposure. The principle of operation between Battslide and Strong is similar - metal sliding against plastic. Neither Strong nor Battslide would allow reefing under load - friction is similar. Battslide is much lighter and much cheaper. Anybody have any experience with these systems? What is Doyle recommending (I am working with Doyle Tortola)? Thanks, Phil Otis
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Bob Zolczer
The Strong System works well
I've had it on my H29.5 all last season. It works well. It's easy to install and the only downside is that I head up into the wind to reef. I'm a cruiser, not a racer so that doesn't bother me.
I've had it on my H29.5 all last season. It works well. It's easy to install and the only downside is that I head up into the wind to reef. I'm a cruiser, not a racer so that doesn't bother me.
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Phil Otis
Thanks Bob!
I spoke with my local UK sailmaker, and he commends the Doyle folks for their Strong track recommendation. It's the only track they recommend! He said the Practical Sailor review was flawed in its assessment of weight - they did not account for all of the extra hardware required for aluminum track systems. Also, they've upgraded from bronze to stainless slides. Best, Phil
I spoke with my local UK sailmaker, and he commends the Doyle folks for their Strong track recommendation. It's the only track they recommend! He said the Practical Sailor review was flawed in its assessment of weight - they did not account for all of the extra hardware required for aluminum track systems. Also, they've upgraded from bronze to stainless slides. Best, Phil
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Bill Colombo
Strong Track System Pros and Cons
Phil, We recommend using the Strong System for a number of reasons. First and most important of all is that it works well and is a very good value. Tides Marine has developed a system that is relatively simple and easy to install. The Batten receptacles are sturdily engineered. The stainless slides move easily in the track. Installation is where the Strong Track system really shines. It is installed by sliding the proper size plastic track up the existing luff groove or track from the bottom. You don't have to climb the rig to drill holes into the mast (except at the very base of the track). This track is lighter than Antal or Harken. It is also more flexible, the end result being less weight aloft with minimal additional stiffening of the rig. I am aware that UV has a negative effect on plastic but to date I have not seen any real degradation of the track itself. We have sold quite a number of StackPack Mains in conjunction with the Strong Track System. This combination works very well and is much more affordable than competing track systems. All the feedback from these boatowners has been positive. Bill Colombo Doyle SF
Phil, We recommend using the Strong System for a number of reasons. First and most important of all is that it works well and is a very good value. Tides Marine has developed a system that is relatively simple and easy to install. The Batten receptacles are sturdily engineered. The stainless slides move easily in the track. Installation is where the Strong Track system really shines. It is installed by sliding the proper size plastic track up the existing luff groove or track from the bottom. You don't have to climb the rig to drill holes into the mast (except at the very base of the track). This track is lighter than Antal or Harken. It is also more flexible, the end result being less weight aloft with minimal additional stiffening of the rig. I am aware that UV has a negative effect on plastic but to date I have not seen any real degradation of the track itself. We have sold quite a number of StackPack Mains in conjunction with the Strong Track System. This combination works very well and is much more affordable than competing track systems. All the feedback from these boatowners has been positive. Bill Colombo Doyle SF
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Rich Stidger
Love the Strong Track
Phil, Check out my installation notes and photos in the Hunter Photo Forum. Search for "Strong Track Installation". In a word, the system is Great! Used it for just one year, and the performance met all promises. It is a good bang for your buck. Much less expensive and simpler than any alternative that I looked at. If I let go of the halyard, the sail drops completely within 3-4 seconds! Rich
Phil, Check out my installation notes and photos in the Hunter Photo Forum. Search for "Strong Track Installation". In a word, the system is Great! Used it for just one year, and the performance met all promises. It is a good bang for your buck. Much less expensive and simpler than any alternative that I looked at. If I let go of the halyard, the sail drops completely within 3-4 seconds! Rich
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Jeff Taylor
Harken Working Just Great!
The Harken Battslide was installed by the previous owner. Havent had any problems yet and race the boat. Had UK-Allen in Annapolis build at Tape Drive Kevlar and shape is awsome. the bat car does take some time to install. Top two batttons are full while bottom two are partial.
The Harken Battslide was installed by the previous owner. Havent had any problems yet and race the boat. Had UK-Allen in Annapolis build at Tape Drive Kevlar and shape is awsome. the bat car does take some time to install. Top two batttons are full while bottom two are partial.
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Craig Alger
Antal Great so Far
I insalled an Antal track system on my First42 last Novemeber and have been very impressed so far. I like its simplicity of design and quality. There is just about the same amount of friction as with the standard track and no full battens.
I insalled an Antal track system on my First42 last Novemeber and have been very impressed so far. I like its simplicity of design and quality. There is just about the same amount of friction as with the standard track and no full battens.
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