I just bought a new main, but the representative made an error and put the slugs (the ones that look like a capsule, like a pill) on the foot, and the slides (the ones that look like a rectangular brick-laying tool) on the luff--which is reversed. I just want to throw this question out there, because he has a conflict of interest in advising me: Can somebody provide a brief explanation of when one would prefer a slide or slug sewn on vs. shackled on? My understanding was that you sew the slides (since they are plastic) and you shackle the slugs (since they have a wire back). But once the sail manufacturer offered to pay for the repairs (instead of it coming out of his pocket) he said we should sew the slugs. I just want this thing done right, all tips welcome.
- Status
get it done right
I think it's pretty straight forward. You need to get what you are paying for. People / salesguys can put a twist on anything.
I think it's pretty straight forward. You need to get what you are paying for. People / salesguys can put a twist on anything.
Funny you ask this
I had to replace the slugs on my main last week. I was in a local store looking for replacements because mine were worn from sliding up and down in the mast track. I asked one of the staff if they carried sail slugs. I was then given a fifteen minute lecture on the reasons why they need to be sewn on instead of shackled on. Now I can't repeat most the lecture because I wasn't listening. The main reason given by the staff'er was the durabilty of the sail/slug connection. After that I tuned out because my main is 15+ years old and has always had the slugs shackled on with no apparent ill effects. My vote? Shackles, because they are easier to fix by yourself if they break or wear prematurely... and they will break...
I had to replace the slugs on my main last week. I was in a local store looking for replacements because mine were worn from sliding up and down in the mast track. I asked one of the staff if they carried sail slugs. I was then given a fifteen minute lecture on the reasons why they need to be sewn on instead of shackled on. Now I can't repeat most the lecture because I wasn't listening. The main reason given by the staff'er was the durabilty of the sail/slug connection. After that I tuned out because my main is 15+ years old and has always had the slugs shackled on with no apparent ill effects. My vote? Shackles, because they are easier to fix by yourself if they break or wear prematurely... and they will break...
- Status