tracks
Kiwisailor, I purchased my '87 26.5 this past fall. I am also fixing to add tracks for a 150 genoa I purchased. I have also found that the standard jib needs a block location farther aft than the original block location under most wind conditions, so there are a number of reasons to add tracks. A few sailors sent me pictures of how their 26.5s were set up with tracks. I am sorry, I have lost these pictures since. If they happen to read this, maybe they can get with you and me. However, they had the track set up close to the cabin, starting just behind the original block, ending as far back as possible until it runs into the splash deflector. They then had about a 2 to 3 foot track starting at the end of the first, more outboard (outside the splash deflector). For a 135 genoa, I would think all you would need is the fore track up against the cabin. Checking out my 150, the block should be at the splash deflector, so I am stuck probably needing the fore and aft tracks, depending on wind conditions. In the pictures the sailors sent me, they had bolted directly through the deck. The nuts inside were exposed. Some nice teak trim might cover them. I talked to Hunter about drilling holes in the deck; it is possible there will be a void just above the inside cabin panel. If that be the case, we will need spacers, or a nut plate the length of the track slid into the void some how, maybe a slot at one end. I have ordered my blocks; should be here soon. On arrival, I will put a hole in the deck and see what is in there. Keep me posted. We can stumble through this together. Chaos rane@magnolia-net.com
