Need Help with Sail Slug question

[Jim Doe]

Hoping someone can help with what may well be a stupid question:I've popped quite a few of the plastic sail slugs (nylon glides, whatever you want to call 'em) from the mainsail of my '83 Catalina 25 (standard rig, i.e., not the 'tall rig' model).My buddy took one of the old slugs with him to the local West Marine and, according to them, it's absolutely not feasible to look at the sail slug that he has in his hand and match it up to a new one. Instead (apparently) it's much more feasible to have me drive 25 miles over to the lake so I can measure the width of the track opening on the mast.Am I in the Twilight Zone here? How many possibilities can there be with the size requirements of a sail slug for a very standard, 1983 Catalina 25?Can anyone tell me what sail slug I need or what the mast track width is for that particular model sailboat?Or at least join me in thinking that the guy at West Marine must be some kind of moron for not being able to match the slug in his hand with one in his store?Any help would be appreciated.Jim

 

[Bayard Gross]

Pretty sure its 3/8 inch

I am not 100% positive, but I think if you get a 3/8 inch sail slug with either a metal or plastic bail (the rectangular part on the slug's back that attaches to the shackle that attaches to the sail) you will get the correct size.The 3/8 measurement refers to the diameter of the "slug" itself.A half inch slug may fit, but I think it will may jam or be just enough tight to make lowering difficult and not smooth, not to mention that it may not fit through the sail opening slot.The metal bail is actually probably preferable to a plastic bail especially on the slugs near the head of the sail which will get many times more travel up and down the mast as the slugs near the tack.

 

[Jim Doe]

Thanks Bayard

That was my guess also. I can't believe the attitude of the West Marine guy. Sailing is all about making do with what you have, whether it's a jury-rigged mast or a sea-anchor made out of brazierres, you make do with what you have.According to this guy, it simply wasn't possible to determine what was needed without my bringing my 35 ft long mast into his shop.Thanks again!

 

[Bob Shafer]

sail slugs

You're getting the runaound with the West Marine salesman. He just doesn't know what he supposed to know. Anyway, go somewhere else or go online. Boats US could help you or any other decent sailing supply store. I bought a couple of packs of those slides at Bacon Sails in Annapolis last summer. I think they are 3/8". I have Catalina 27. Good luck. I think the email address is Baconsails.com