What do you call that hand tightened bolt device that fits in the mast lug track to block the lugs from coming out where the track widens? I will call it the lug stopper. Anyway, I sailed on a friend's J-35 and his boat has a stainless steel plate that screws to the mast at the wide part of the track where you can remove the lugs. The plate only covers the widened part and leaves the track to run continuously past. Does anyone know if this can be purchased for other boats like my Hunter 34?
mast lug track stopper alternative
- Thread starter markwbird
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It is called a "mast gate" or a "mast/sail lug gate" if you need something a bit more descriptive. We've always used a "mast gate". They can be made or try the store that is operated by this site. They are quite good and should have it or direct you to one.
Ray
Ray
I made one out of 1/8 ss. Here is a picture- the advantage is that with a gate, you can bring the slugs right down to the gooseneck which makes it possible to reach the reefing hooks with the reefing cringle.
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I made one similar to Richard Bryer's finely crafter lug stopper. But instead out of 1/8" aluminum plate which I had scavanged from some other not needed part. The aluminum was easier to work with and has been plenty strong enough. To DIY you will need to drill and tap machine screw threads in the mast to match the holes you make in the stopper plate. I opted for standard 1/4". Since the screws are stainless steel and the mast is aluminum, galvanic corrosion will occur between the two metals. So be sure to coat the threads with lanacote or anti-seize grease. Depending on the curve shape of your mast, you probably will have to bend the plate a bit so that when the screws are tightened, the plate firmly covers the slug removal opening.
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