sail slides vs. mast track

[John T.]

On my 27 when I reef in order to keep the sail from coming out of the track and re-installing the sail slides when flaking the sail out...I have taken the bottom two slides off the sail luff and put rope around the mast in their place. Above the mast track opening for the sail to be removed I have a stop in place. The rope is there to retain sail shape when not reefed.My question....Is there a better way to set up the reefing without using rope that will keep the sail slides in a track for easier reefing and un-reefing without going up to the mast?

 

[Don]

Mast Gates

I think what you need to do is install a pair of mast gates. On the Catalina 25/250 Association website, there is a procedure for accomplishing what you need. Check this link out for more info and pics.

 

[Tom]

Here is another version of "mast gates"

That I made for my C-36 from some aluminum Door threshold from Home Depot. The stuff already had the lip and the curve needed. Check out the pictures of my insallation. Not as custom or pretty as the one before, but it works just fine

 

[david]

make the mast slots

That's what you need. I put them on my previous C-25 and it made all the difference. Go to the site and use their plans. You won't regret it!