This may seem like a dumb question but I have to ask. How do you keep the main sail from coming out of the mast slot while you are lowering the sail? Some boats have a device attached that keeps it from dropping back down into the slot when the sail is lowered. Am I missing such an item on my 26S? I've read about sailors adding slugs for easier sail handling, didn't MacGregor do anything to alleviate this problem?
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No such thing as a dumb question...
...only dumb answers...I should know!...and here's a perfect example... Your question seems to contridict itself. If you have slugs then I get it...if you don't then I don't. If you have slugs then there is an item you can buy called a slug stop (et. al.). It costs about $12 (actually they only cost about $6 each, but I buy them two at a time because I keep losing them overboard...so I always have a spare.). The intelligent way to do it is to drill a hole in the slot and either use a self tapping screw or a pin... If this does not answer your question...it's not my fault...I read your question four times and I still can't figure out what you are actually asking... but I tried.
...only dumb answers...I should know!...and here's a perfect example... Your question seems to contridict itself. If you have slugs then I get it...if you don't then I don't. If you have slugs then there is an item you can buy called a slug stop (et. al.). It costs about $12 (actually they only cost about $6 each, but I buy them two at a time because I keep losing them overboard...so I always have a spare.). The intelligent way to do it is to drill a hole in the slot and either use a self tapping screw or a pin... If this does not answer your question...it's not my fault...I read your question four times and I still can't figure out what you are actually asking... but I tried.
J
Justin
clarification
Sorry Dave. I reread my question this morning and it doesn't make sense to me either. From your answer, it's clear that I am missing a piece of equipment. I bought my Mac used and it has slugs on the luff instead of bolt rope. The foot uses bolt rope. I wasn't sure if this was a factory setup or not. In any case, the slugs fall out of the mast slot when I lower the sail. I don't see or have a slug stop or mast gate. A pin would help as you suggest. I just hate drilling holes in the mast. I'll look for a slug stop online. I think perhaps slugs were an option on Macs, If that's the case I should be able to find something.
Sorry Dave. I reread my question this morning and it doesn't make sense to me either. From your answer, it's clear that I am missing a piece of equipment. I bought my Mac used and it has slugs on the luff instead of bolt rope. The foot uses bolt rope. I wasn't sure if this was a factory setup or not. In any case, the slugs fall out of the mast slot when I lower the sail. I don't see or have a slug stop or mast gate. A pin would help as you suggest. I just hate drilling holes in the mast. I'll look for a slug stop online. I think perhaps slugs were an option on Macs, If that's the case I should be able to find something.
R
RichardL
Sail Track Stop
I have a 26S and it uses the round Sail Track Stop that can be found for $7.99 in Boatersworld.
I have a 26S and it uses the round Sail Track Stop that can be found for $7.99 in Boatersworld.
G
Greg Mac26S
I had one of those (remove to reef?)
I had one of those fancey doo hickies. I remembering ...'what the hell is this for' when I first got the boat. Now I wish I could remember what the hell I did with it. Seems like you have to take it out to reef? Any takers?
I had one of those fancey doo hickies. I remembering ...'what the hell is this for' when I first got the boat. Now I wish I could remember what the hell I did with it. Seems like you have to take it out to reef? Any takers?
C
Chris
Not a sail track stop
Time and time again people suggest the same thing. That part is not what is needed. what is needed is something that allows the sail to travel through the opening without falling out. A stop is USELESS !!!. I have heard people suggest this so often that I had to reply. There use to be a guy that invented a a rig for this and sold it off the internet but he no longer does.I am still searching for the same cure if found I will pass it along but no more sail stops please they dont work.
Time and time again people suggest the same thing. That part is not what is needed. what is needed is something that allows the sail to travel through the opening without falling out. A stop is USELESS !!!. I have heard people suggest this so often that I had to reply. There use to be a guy that invented a a rig for this and sold it off the internet but he no longer does.I am still searching for the same cure if found I will pass it along but no more sail stops please they dont work.
What???
I've been using a slug stop for 18 years...it works for me. It goes into the luff slot just above the gate. When the main comes down, the slugs stack up on top of it and flakes the luff perfectly. My sail cover is designed for that. The problem most folks have is when reefing with sail slugs. Then you have to remove the stop and the slugs come out of the slot. Two solutions available for that...carefull slug placement or a jackline...I use a jackline and it works great.
I've been using a slug stop for 18 years...it works for me. It goes into the luff slot just above the gate. When the main comes down, the slugs stack up on top of it and flakes the luff perfectly. My sail cover is designed for that. The problem most folks have is when reefing with sail slugs. Then you have to remove the stop and the slugs come out of the slot. Two solutions available for that...carefull slug placement or a jackline...I use a jackline and it works great.
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RichardL
Slug stops are not useless!
Sorry Chris - I don't know what slug stops you have been using, but mine also works fine. However, I do agree with Dave about reefing, and would appreciate his input into how his jackline works.
Sorry Chris - I don't know what slug stops you have been using, but mine also works fine. However, I do agree with Dave about reefing, and would appreciate his input into how his jackline works.
Here is a pic of a typical jackline...
I almost sank once when I was out alone and got caught in an unforecasted storm. Scared the hell out of me, so I had to come up with a better way to put a reef in. The jackline was the solution for me. Here is a pic of one type...there are various versions, in fact, BWY will build one in if you order your main from them... Note that the jackline is seperate from the luff, but the slugs are attached to it. I have some more pics if you are interested.
I almost sank once when I was out alone and got caught in an unforecasted storm. Scared the hell out of me, so I had to come up with a better way to put a reef in. The jackline was the solution for me. Here is a pic of one type...there are various versions, in fact, BWY will build one in if you order your main from them... Note that the jackline is seperate from the luff, but the slugs are attached to it. I have some more pics if you are interested.
J
Justin
Me too
I'm interested to learn how jacklines work too Dave. I saw them mentioned in a slug kit at BWY along with a sail stop. I managed to find the stop locally. I paid too much but hey, I'm supporting our one and only sailing shop. I intend to attach a line to this stop and to the mast so I don't lose it. I don't understand what the problem is with using one. It looks absolutely functional in its correct position. No more main sail falling out of the slot when lowered and having to re-feed it! Correct installation of the slugs is neccessary for proper reefing. I've read instructions stating not to install them near a reef point. Makes clear sense to me.
I'm interested to learn how jacklines work too Dave. I saw them mentioned in a slug kit at BWY along with a sail stop. I managed to find the stop locally. I paid too much but hey, I'm supporting our one and only sailing shop. I intend to attach a line to this stop and to the mast so I don't lose it. I don't understand what the problem is with using one. It looks absolutely functional in its correct position. No more main sail falling out of the slot when lowered and having to re-feed it! Correct installation of the slugs is neccessary for proper reefing. I've read instructions stating not to install them near a reef point. Makes clear sense to me.
G
Greg
more pics
I'd like some more pics. I'd like to do such a thing but I don't have anything to copy around here.
I'd like some more pics. I'd like to do such a thing but I don't have anything to copy around here.
Justin and Greg, that stategic placement of
slugs work okay if you have only one reef point, I have two. So I cogitated on it and decided the jackline was right for me. If you have only one reef point, the strategic placement of slugs is more elegant. Here is a shot of the way BWY does it...pretty nice looking...and functional. BTW, you can set the grommets yourself...really easy to do...you can buy them from West and pay out your a...or you can buy the from JoAnne fabrics and save a bundle.
slugs work okay if you have only one reef point, I have two. So I cogitated on it and decided the jackline was right for me. If you have only one reef point, the strategic placement of slugs is more elegant. Here is a shot of the way BWY does it...pretty nice looking...and functional. BTW, you can set the grommets yourself...really easy to do...you can buy them from West and pay out your a...or you can buy the from JoAnne fabrics and save a bundle.
G
Greg
ok so how does it work?
So you pull a line and it folds it up? I was recently on a catalina and his had some majic system like that. I found this last spring but haven't had gumption to attempt it yet either. Of course my to do list is long and this is towards the end. http://www.angelfire.com/de2/WIT/JiffyReef.htm
So you pull a line and it folds it up? I was recently on a catalina and his had some majic system like that. I found this last spring but haven't had gumption to attempt it yet either. Of course my to do list is long and this is towards the end. http://www.angelfire.com/de2/WIT/JiffyReef.htm
I added that too...
I use a cobbed up two line jiffy reefing system...works great...since I'm all alone most of the time (expept for my dog...but I feed him, so he's pretty devoted). That (jiffy reefing) along with a jackline makes single handing very safe...or at least a lot safer than what I used to do. I highly recommend both the jiffy reefing and the jackline. They work best if your lines run aft though.
I use a cobbed up two line jiffy reefing system...works great...since I'm all alone most of the time (expept for my dog...but I feed him, so he's pretty devoted). That (jiffy reefing) along with a jackline makes single handing very safe...or at least a lot safer than what I used to do. I highly recommend both the jiffy reefing and the jackline. They work best if your lines run aft though.
M
Marshall-Mac26S
Bungie wrapped around mast works too.
Guess I should get a slug stop, so I can loose the correct part along with the rest of you. Right now I just wrap one of those 4or5"-bungie-balls around the mast just above the gate. Quick to pull off when I want the sail off also. Since it works, and I keep several dozen of those things on the boat to tie up cables and lines when I trailer, ordering a real sail-stop never makes it to the top of my priority list.
Guess I should get a slug stop, so I can loose the correct part along with the rest of you. Right now I just wrap one of those 4or5"-bungie-balls around the mast just above the gate. Quick to pull off when I want the sail off also. Since it works, and I keep several dozen of those things on the boat to tie up cables and lines when I trailer, ordering a real sail-stop never makes it to the top of my priority list.
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Greg
Need some straw
That's what I've been doing as well. I got some other thing-ese on my boat I need to take a picture of, I was looking at them last night and have no clue what they go to. Amazingly enough I haven't lost them (like the slide stop) . They kind of look like they slide and tighten on a small rail about 1" in width then they have stainless rods coming out of them bent several times in different directions.
That's what I've been doing as well. I got some other thing-ese on my boat I need to take a picture of, I was looking at them last night and have no clue what they go to. Amazingly enough I haven't lost them (like the slide stop) . They kind of look like they slide and tighten on a small rail about 1" in width then they have stainless rods coming out of them bent several times in different directions.
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