Slugs and gromets

[Mac666]

Hey ALL.Has anyone installed slugs on a main sail?Is it worth the effort?What are pluses and minuses of slugs?what size gromets would you use...what is typical spacing?(for a 22' boat)Lots of questions, I know...trying to catch up before the Summer and learn as much as I can-it's my first boat ....mmmm....how exciting :O)Any input is gretly appreciated!doktorpalka@mail.ruCheers,Alex

 

[David Perkins]

Im plannin on putting Slugs on my Mac 26D this spring .... I sailed on a 26S that had them .. makes raising and lowering the main so easy .. release the line and it falls ... cant be easier than that.David

 

[Dan McGuire]

I sewed Some On

I sewed some on a Gulf Coast 21 so I didn't need grommets. I can't see any reason not to use the smallest grommets that the shackle will fit into.It is definitely worth while.

 

[Timm Miller]

Slugs

www.sailrite.com They have ones that you ust screw on. Call them and tell them what you have. They are spaced about every 24"

 

[Keith]

Slugs_2

I’ll second the SailRite screw on type. I’m sorry that I didn’t do it sooner. It makes hoisting the main while underway a pleasure compared to the old way. I used the #23314 Slugs and the #24105 shackles. I placed them about every 18 inches. The cost was $35 or $40 and took just a couple of hours to install.

 

[M. Barclay]

Go with slugs

As compared to the standard bolt rope and track system, sail slugs are the only way to go- it makes raising / lowering much easier. We installed ours at a reasonable cost when we had repairs done to the main. I would also suggest purchasing a track stop- very cheap- which keeps the slugs in the track even when the sail is down. A worthwhile investment and is a simple metal slug and set screw system.

 

[Dennis]

Made my own slugs

My main sail needed a few slugs, so I got some nylon material took it out to my grinding wheel and copied the shapes of the originals to it! Works great and sewed them in. One that I changed the previous owner had actually wired into place! Also be sure to lube your track!

 

[Mac666]

Great replies so far...anyone got pix?

Thanks to ALL for your replies!I did see on the web the slugs that you just screw on to a sail...it seems that this kond of construction would more likely to create a tear in a sail...would sewing or grometting be safer?And PLEASE...if anyone could post(or send me a picture...in this digital day and age picture is still worth a 1000 words :O)THANKS!Alexdoktorpalka@mail.ru

 

[Steve Paul]

Pics of slugs and shackles

I sent someone pics of my mods that were recommended by Sailright. I had the screw in shackles and they bound up. I used a plastic slug and plastic shackle. I also installed metal grommets. Yes, it required me to buy a grommet tool but it was perfect. Part of safe sailing is getting the main up and down quickly and easily. You can rent the tool as well but total cost was still worth every cent. I'll mail you pics of my parts.Steve

 

[Mac666]

Another question

Hey, ALL!Thank you all once again for great info!I do have another question about installing the slugs. Seems like the very top slug should be some how different from the others and have a place to hook a halyard to...same goes for the last slug in the boom...right?...or is it just me? I do agree that grommets are a MUST if installing slugs!And please once again-pictures-pictures-pictures! It is so helpful!doktorpalka@mail.ruThanks again!!!! THIS FORUM IS GREAT!!!!Alex

 

[Steve Paul]

Never tie to the slugs

Alex, you want to raise the sail, not the slugs. The slugs just hold the sail to the mast. Use the main halyard and a shackle to raise the main from the hoisting eye or loop. Then hook the clew at the joint between mast and boom to hold down the sail foot. It's that simple.Steve

 

[Kent]

What size sail slugs?

Can anyone recommend the correct size slugs for a 2005 Mac 26M?