Sail Slug/Slider Question

[NewbieAdmiral]

We bought a used US Yacht 22 and need to replace a couple of the sail slugs. We found four different size slugs being used on the main: Pacific Nylon Plastic PNP 29 which is 9mm, and Aquabatten sliders 017S = 5/16", 018S = 7/16" and 019S = 3/8". My question: why would there be different sizes- isn't the slider track just one size? If just one size is needed, which one is the correct size? Thanks for enlightening this newbie.

 

[BudGates]

Most likely the previous owner just installed whatever he could find. The best size for your mast would be the largest slug that will easily slide all the way from top to bottom.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Most likely the previous owner just installed whatever he could find. The best size for your mast would be the largest slug that will easily slide all the way from top to bottom.

Yep- what he said

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

On the smaller boats, the sail slides were generally 3/8 but if a smaller opening, then 7/16/ I would throw all of them out and use one standard size and apply some lubricate to the slides. There is a Teflon base but cannot remember. Ok guys what do you suggest as a lubricant material.

 

[Parsons]

McLube SailKote - It's expensive ($20 for 16 oz), but worth it because it doesn't leave a liquid residue to retain dirt. Another post on this site gives an excellent discussion of lubing tracks (http://forums.sailboatowners.com/in...ting-slugs-and-bolt-rope.179202/#post-1296429) That one references a cool invention to lube the entire slot without lowering the mast, which I'm planning to make this winter.

 

[dscribner]

Determine the size that is correct. Slide, twist a little, pull and slide. Whatever. When you decide. go to Sailrite,com. About a buck a piece I think. Your local chandler probably carries them but if you're like me, the extra 5 bucks for shipping equals the gas and tolls to get the the chandler.

 

[NewbieAdmiral]

Thanks for the confirmation that all slides should be one size! That's what I thought. I'll check out which size works best and get them all the same. Regarding lubrication, I read recently that dishsoap is good to use for lubricating the slides, and when it rains it washes away. Any opinions on that or is it just best to use Sailkoat or similar product?

 

[kappykaplan]

As was previously noted, McLube is the best product to use for lubrication.

 

[BudGates]

Thanks for the confirmation that all slides should be one size! That's what I thought. I'll check out which size works best and get them all the same. Regarding lubrication, I read recently that dishsoap is good to use for lubricating the slides, and when it rains it washes away. Any opinions on that or is it just best to use Sailkoat or similar product?

Dish soap will work great for a few days but will soon dry out and become sticky creating friction and collecting dirt. Even after it washes out it will leave a residue. Best to use SailKote others have said.