So im about to buy a sail, and it comes with 3/8 inch slugs. The boat did not have a mainsail originally so i cannot measure any previous slugs. I am under the impression that this is not a make it or break it for buying a sail anyways because you can just replace the slugs on the sail if they do not fit in your mast. Is this the case? Thanks
Sail slugs
- Thread starter kirbyc1goo
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You can replace them, but some of them are sewn into the sail and they are difficult to replace. I would guess if you have to have a sailmaker replace them for you it would be a few hours of labor.
If you have ones that are removable, you just unscrew them and attach new ones. I suggest that you go to you favorite marine store a get one to see if it fits.
If you have ones that are removable, you just unscrew them and attach new ones. I suggest that you go to you favorite marine store a get one to see if it fits.
Yes, you can replace the slugs.
But, I strongly suggest you look very carefully at how the slugs are attached to the sail you're about to buy to determine how easy/difficult it will be to replace them.
Mine are sewn on with straps; when I had to replace a broken one, I had to go to a sail maker to get the sewing done.
Paul
But, I strongly suggest you look very carefully at how the slugs are attached to the sail you're about to buy to determine how easy/difficult it will be to replace them.
Mine are sewn on with straps; when I had to replace a broken one, I had to go to a sail maker to get the sewing done.
Paul
Assuming that your boat is a Helsen 22 then the mainsail probably has ten to twelve sail slugs. Sewn-on slugs are a bear to change as pointed out. DIY is possible if you have a really good machine. I don't think I would try it by hand.
On a long cruise we broke the top one. We actually bolted on the new one. We used a hot awl to poke a hole in the web strap and using a small bolt with washers put it back together. I have a salmakers kit but would not have attempted sewing it.
On a long cruise we broke the top one. We actually bolted on the new one. We used a hot awl to poke a hole in the web strap and using a small bolt with washers put it back together. I have a salmakers kit but would not have attempted sewing it.
Kirby,
We went out in 20 knot winds, gusting to 30 knots. Shouldn't have been out. I looked up to check the tell tails only to watch my main unzip itself from the mast. We'll, the boat righted at least. ALL the slugs broke. I told myself it was plastic fatigue not idiocy or inexperience. No, no . . . don't argue. Anyway, the slugs that I replaced were all different sizes and style. I ordered enough from Sailrite.com to do every mast and boom slug and I bought the heavy duty duty ones to boot. Moral, of the story (talking to myself) "Learn when and how to reef, moron!" (Remember, I'm talking to ME). We also broke a winch that day, and busted up the dock trying to hold the boat to the cleats, and had to pull the boat off the concrete ramp, and almost lost the mast and tabernacle because the wind was so bad. Oh, yeah, I took a header trying to get to the bow because with the tail wind, the reverse gear was laughable. Newbies! Aren't they cute when they're pathetic?
We went out in 20 knot winds, gusting to 30 knots. Shouldn't have been out. I looked up to check the tell tails only to watch my main unzip itself from the mast. We'll, the boat righted at least. ALL the slugs broke. I told myself it was plastic fatigue not idiocy or inexperience. No, no . . . don't argue. Anyway, the slugs that I replaced were all different sizes and style. I ordered enough from Sailrite.com to do every mast and boom slug and I bought the heavy duty duty ones to boot. Moral, of the story (talking to myself) "Learn when and how to reef, moron!" (Remember, I'm talking to ME). We also broke a winch that day, and busted up the dock trying to hold the boat to the cleats, and had to pull the boat off the concrete ramp, and almost lost the mast and tabernacle because the wind was so bad. Oh, yeah, I took a header trying to get to the bow because with the tail wind, the reverse gear was laughable. Newbies! Aren't they cute when they're pathetic?
Wow that sounds rough. Thanks for all the great info guys. Ill keep all this in mind when buying a sail
We had slugs added to our mainsail last year. I first went to the sailmaker to get samples of the various slugs available, and tried these on the mast slot, before specifying which to install.
Ours have stainless steel loops and a plastic slug, and they've worked well.
Ours have stainless steel loops and a plastic slug, and they've worked well.
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