modifications to allow sail slugs to go lower in the mast track.

[Willie G]

I have a 2009 Beneteau 31, and I would like to modify the method that the slugs are stopped at the bottom of the mast. The current method in the attached picture stops the slugs 8 inches higher than the bottom of the available track. My previous Hunter 29.5 simply blocked one side of the opening allowing the slugs travel past to the bottom track. Has anybody found a method of modifying this allowing the slugs to go to the bottom of the track?

 

[Richard19068]

You need what's called a mast gate or mainsail gate. Not sure of a specific one for your boat but if you know the brand of mast you should be able to find an appropriate gate.

 

[Hunter216]

I have a 2009 Beneteau 31, and I would like to modify the method that the slugs are stopped at the bottom of the mast. The current method in the attached picture stops the slugs 8 inches higher than the bottom of the available track. My previous Hunter 29.5 simply blocked one side of the opening allowing the slugs travel past to the bottom track. Has anybody found a method of modifying this allowing the slugs to go to the bottom of the track?

View attachment 177616

This link might help

Redirect Notice

 

[Joe]

You can easily make a new gate with two small strips of steel or aluminum. Drill and tap the strips at top and bottom to cover each side of the opening.... then... decide if you want to combine the tack fitting and Cunningham (i.e. the tack itself would move up and down according to desired luff tension.) or have a separate tack and Cunningham fitting.( your sail may already have a cringle for the Cunningham and a separate tack.) It really depends on how much room you have between the tack and the deck for the 3:1 purchase tackle you'll want for the Cunningham.

 

[Ron20324]

You can easily make a new gate with two small strips of steel or aluminum. Drill and tap the strips at top and bottom to cover each side of the opening..../QUOTE]

Yeah, what Joe said. I'll take a pic of mine tomorrow.[/QUOTE
EDIT : Sorry, I have to raise sail to take pic and it is too windy in Annapolis today.]

 

[Tally Ho]

I no longer have this set up on my mast, as I installed a Strong Track last year, but my mast gate would lock in place to prevent the slugs from falling out of th gate, but they could slide down below the gate. To remove the sail, I moved the plastic piece to open the gate and remove the slugs....

With the gate closed...sail slugs can go all the way down.


gate open... I can remove the slugs.



Good luck,

Greg

 

[Willie G]

I appreciate the methods here and I like the idea of the steel strip on either side. The issue is getting the plug seen in the picture out. It’s an actual plug wider than the opening where the slugs come out. The plug is the length between the yellow lines. If I can’t get this out, all bets are off.

 

[Ron20324]

I appreciate the methods here and I like the idea of the steel strip on either side. The issue is getting the plug seen in the picture out. It’s an actual plug wider than the opening where the slugs come out. The plug is the length between the yellow lines. If I can’t get this out, all bets are off.

Maybe it is just to slide to the bottom of the track/groove?

 

[Justin_NSA]

That screw may just press against the back of the extruded groove. Maybe the stop would just drop if released?

 

[DougM]

Maybe it is just to slide to the bottom of the track/groove?

The screw in the plate blocking the wider opening in the track actually acts as a stop when tightened. Remove the screw and kiss the plate goodbye until the next time you unstep the mast. At least is out of the way. Then you can create your own cover plate.