Does anyone else have to struggle to get their mainsail up, and down for that matter. I've tried various lubes in the track and on the slugs, but it always starts to stick part way up and has to be pulled down, no free fall at all. Suggestions? Thanks!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
Head into Wind
Rick: Head directly into wind when raising and lowering mainsail for minimal binding. Dick
Rick: Head directly into wind when raising and lowering mainsail for minimal binding. Dick
S
Steve
Downhaul
You might want to set up a downhaul. Attach a shackle to the top of the sail, run a line from it down through a block at the mast base and back to the cockpit. Just release the halyard and pull on the downhaul line when you want to lower the mainsail. Lazy Jacks would help keep the sail from flying everywhere when lowering it. This doesn't correct the binding problem though. Replace the slugs maybe? Steve
You might want to set up a downhaul. Attach a shackle to the top of the sail, run a line from it down through a block at the mast base and back to the cockpit. Just release the halyard and pull on the downhaul line when you want to lower the mainsail. Lazy Jacks would help keep the sail from flying everywhere when lowering it. This doesn't correct the binding problem though. Replace the slugs maybe? Steve
R
Ray Hodges
New slugs
I used to have the same problem. My solution came with replacing the slugs with the newer "capsule" shaped plastic ones. Also, I ran steel wool up and down the sail track to remove any burrs or corrosion (start with heavy grade and finish with a finer steel wool grade). Any lubricant should be dry lube like teflon but I find I don't need any lubrication at all. Good Luck!
I used to have the same problem. My solution came with replacing the slugs with the newer "capsule" shaped plastic ones. Also, I ran steel wool up and down the sail track to remove any burrs or corrosion (start with heavy grade and finish with a finer steel wool grade). Any lubricant should be dry lube like teflon but I find I don't need any lubrication at all. Good Luck!
B
Bob B.
New slugs. A last resort
Hello Rick: If you clean the track as suggested, & use a lube your problem will be solved. I use a spray lube that contains teflon. As another reply states, head directly into the wind. Regards, Bob B.
Hello Rick: If you clean the track as suggested, & use a lube your problem will be solved. I use a spray lube that contains teflon. As another reply states, head directly into the wind. Regards, Bob B.
May not be the sail
You need to fine the problem first. Is it the sail? Is it the halyard? Is it the sail track in the mast? Disconnect the mainsail and attach another line to the halyard, pull the halyard up and then down with the other line, does it bind at the same spot. Lay on your back with the top of your head against the bottom of the mast. Look straight up the mast. Is it straight? Go back to the halyard, remove one sail slug from the mainsail and attach to the halyard, test the track with one slug and no sail. Has the sail always done this, the mast may have been dropped and the sail guide in the mast could be damaged.
You need to fine the problem first. Is it the sail? Is it the halyard? Is it the sail track in the mast? Disconnect the mainsail and attach another line to the halyard, pull the halyard up and then down with the other line, does it bind at the same spot. Lay on your back with the top of your head against the bottom of the mast. Look straight up the mast. Is it straight? Go back to the halyard, remove one sail slug from the mainsail and attach to the halyard, test the track with one slug and no sail. Has the sail always done this, the mast may have been dropped and the sail guide in the mast could be damaged.
R
Rick
Appreciation
Thanks one and all for the suggestions. I plan on unstepping the mast in the spring to repair the mast lights. I will at that time be able to investigate the matter further.
Thanks one and all for the suggestions. I plan on unstepping the mast in the spring to repair the mast lights. I will at that time be able to investigate the matter further.
P
patrick
wax
plain old candle wax makes an excellent lube, just rub it on the slugs...wou won't meed very much at all.
plain old candle wax makes an excellent lube, just rub it on the slugs...wou won't meed very much at all.
M
Mike
More likely that your topping lift.....
Your topping lift may not be raising the boom enough. That will create a tension on the leech of the sail, pulling the slugs tight against the slot. Try lifting the outer end of the boom a little higher with the topping lift, and always point dead into the wind when raising the main sail.
Your topping lift may not be raising the boom enough. That will create a tension on the leech of the sail, pulling the slugs tight against the slot. Try lifting the outer end of the boom a little higher with the topping lift, and always point dead into the wind when raising the main sail.
Mainsail
If the slugs are the correct size and lubricated, you are headed into the wind, all lines are loose (vang, out haul, topping lift, main sheet, etc), the halyard is pulling straight up at the head, it should go up. However, if it will not come down, a down haul is the only solution.
If the slugs are the correct size and lubricated, you are headed into the wind, all lines are loose (vang, out haul, topping lift, main sheet, etc), the halyard is pulling straight up at the head, it should go up. However, if it will not come down, a down haul is the only solution.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.