O'day 25 gate on mast?

[Nevada Mike]

I have a hole on my mast that appears to be were a gate might go to keep slugs from falling out. Did the O'day have one? Do you have one? My slugs for the most part stay in but I have lost one or two over the last few weeks. I have been sailing in fairly light winds so no big deal but I think I might want one. If anyone has a link or a picture I would appreciate it. I have done a few searches but I have not found what I am looking for.

Thanks, Mike

 

[victorhoisington]

Its called a Mast Gate and I believe they sell them here on SBO. And it does exactly what you describe.

Fair winds,

 

[Ward H]

Here is a photo of the mast gate on my O'day 25. D&R Marine list a "Sail Stop" which is probably another name for it but they don't show a photo to be sure. Probably worth a phone call, don't email them if you want a fast supply.

 

[jwing]

I installed a mast gate that I purchased from http://www.mastgates.com and I have been very happy with it. The owner, Tom Luque, was great to work with. He should be teaching other companies about customer service. Highly recommended!

 

[Justin_NSA]

I installed a mastgates.com gate on my old Mac26S. Had to close up the slot first. They had a how-to video on the site.
I like the gates rather than the slug stops because they don't fall in the water and the sail can rest lower on the boom.

 

[Brian S]

Here is a pic of my Tom Luque Mast gate installed. Note how it is just a smidge wider than the slot. It was popping open and allowing slugs out sometimes. I think I ground out the overlap of the gate just a wee bit too much. I exchanged emails with Tom, and he suggested pinching the overlap corners of the gate closed just a little bit, which I was able to do with just my fingers - didn't need pliers. So far this season it has been problem free since I tweaked it. I was thinking I might have to purchase a new one that was 1/4" longer, but so far I am just fine.

 

[Benny17441]

A "Sail Stop" is just a thumb wheel screw which attaches to a threaded cylinder in the shape and size of a slug and it is fitted into the mast slot above the gate to stop the slugs from falling out when the sail is lowered. They are inexpensive and simple and work quite well. The sail slugs are attached to the sail so I don't see how you could have lost a couple of them.

 

[Nevada Mike]

Thanks for the great replies. When I say "lost them" i just mean they are coming out of the track. We are on the way up to then boat today and Ill see if the hole is threaded and I assume it is. There is also a large box of miscellaneous fittings I have not dug through yet. Hopefully its in there.