Sail entry slot; closing gate?

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Phil

The sail entry gate on the mast of my 1979 Hunter 25 is very high on the mast. When I raise the sail the lugs will pop out as they pass the gate. I have been using a sail stop to keep them above the gate but the sail rests over 6 feet above the deck and forms a loose, huge triangle even before the sail is raised, it looks terrible. There is a threaded hole next to the entry gate and scratch marks where something had been bolted on. This had to be a device to close the entry gate so the sail could be dropped onto the boom where it belongs and be raised without the fear of the lugs popping out as you raise the sail. Does anyone know where I might get this thing? Hunter tells me that the company that built the mast is no longer in business. I could fashion one out of fiberglass or aluminum but it would be easier if I could find the original part. Phil.
 
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Bill O'Donovan

Easy fix

You're right, it's a plate, and you absolutely need one because it's cumbersome to rig the sail above the aperture. You could fashion one out of metal by simply observing the shape on a nearby boat. Stroll your dock and you're sure to find one. Better yet, find an old Hunter or Catalina. Metal is better because once you drill the hole through fiberglass or plastic, you'll compromise the integrity of the piece. But you're definitely on the right course.
 
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