I understand the reason why people run their lines aft to make for easier single-handed sailing. My question is, how do you feed the main into a M25 mast while you're in the cockpit? I usually hand over the helm to my wife while I sit at the base of the mast using one hand to guide the sail into the slot and the other to hoist the main. There has got to be a better way. I thought that the main would be self-feeding once you start it but it doesn't seem to be. I'd like to modify for single-handed, but it doesn't seem to be worth the effort if I still have to go forward to feed the main. Any ideas? Thanks
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mast gate
Pre-load the slugs on the main into the mast track, then fix them there with a commercial track gate (or, in my cheap case until I get one -- a wire through a double hole above the feed throat). Keep the main flaked on the boom until you are ready to raise. Then, all you have to do is pop the cover (if you have one) and the sail ties (or bungies) and pull the halyard. The particular geometry of our Mac 25's leaves the first space of the luff of the main pretty well open when all the slugs are in the gate (maybe a foot or so) and then the rest sit nicely in gentle folds as the slugs stack above the wire or gate. This can keep everybody in the cockpit (with one long lean to release the front tie) while raising the main.
Pre-load the slugs on the main into the mast track, then fix them there with a commercial track gate (or, in my cheap case until I get one -- a wire through a double hole above the feed throat). Keep the main flaked on the boom until you are ready to raise. Then, all you have to do is pop the cover (if you have one) and the sail ties (or bungies) and pull the halyard. The particular geometry of our Mac 25's leaves the first space of the luff of the main pretty well open when all the slugs are in the gate (maybe a foot or so) and then the rest sit nicely in gentle folds as the slugs stack above the wire or gate. This can keep everybody in the cockpit (with one long lean to release the front tie) while raising the main.
You'll want to add slugs.
If you dont have sail slugs, you can add them yourself. It really isnt a very big job. You can get the slugs and shackles and grommets from Sail Rite, really doesnt cost very much either. Then you feed the slugs into the luff grove and screw in a sail stop to keep them from falling out. You wont belive how easy the sail will go up (and down) My 8 year old son can hoist the sail. Good luck!
If you dont have sail slugs, you can add them yourself. It really isnt a very big job. You can get the slugs and shackles and grommets from Sail Rite, really doesnt cost very much either. Then you feed the slugs into the luff grove and screw in a sail stop to keep them from falling out. You wont belive how easy the sail will go up (and down) My 8 year old son can hoist the sail. Good luck!
will slugs work?
Will slugs work with the original main? I'm not beyond modifying my sail but can't afford a new sail at present. Just looking for a way to hoist the sail with ease. Thanks
Will slugs work with the original main? I'm not beyond modifying my sail but can't afford a new sail at present. Just looking for a way to hoist the sail with ease. Thanks
By all means
Get the proper slugs and the plastic shackles that hold them to rivet eyes. You won't regret it. Also, get some Sail Slide or other dry lubricant for the sail channel. Steve P.
Get the proper slugs and the plastic shackles that hold them to rivet eyes. You won't regret it. Also, get some Sail Slide or other dry lubricant for the sail channel. Steve P.
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