sail slugs?? which ones?
Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:46 pmHey all:
I've been having a really tough time getting the mainsail up when setting out in moderate winds. Only if I can manage to keep the boat pointed into the wind (and keep it there) can I yank hard enough to hoist the sail up the last 2 feet or so.
I bought some Sail Kote and that helped a lot, but it's still not as smooth as I'd like it, and feels dicey standing up, solo, pulling hard on the halyard and feeling the boat slowly turn, with the billowy main blowing around me. It might be just that the sail is so old (original) that the bolt rope is fuzzy and thickened with age. It doesn't hang up in a particular spot, it just gets really tight as it goes up (unless there's no wind at all.)
So I came for expert advice - here! - and read up on sail slugs. Looking through my Sailrite catalogue I see there are several types.
Specifically, what have people used that work well with our masts and sails? The nylon w/stainless bail? All stainless? All nylon? What size width - 1/2"? And the shackle attachment - has anyone done the grommetless shackle? Looks super-simple to put on, and definitely the cheapest, but I wouldn't hesitate to put in grommets if it's structurally advisable.
Thanks for any suggestions! Been doing some great sailing, and yesterday was especially good using my new jib sheet cam cleats on the centerboard. SO much better than the old style jam cleat.
Carlos
I've been having a really tough time getting the mainsail up when setting out in moderate winds. Only if I can manage to keep the boat pointed into the wind (and keep it there) can I yank hard enough to hoist the sail up the last 2 feet or so.
I bought some Sail Kote and that helped a lot, but it's still not as smooth as I'd like it, and feels dicey standing up, solo, pulling hard on the halyard and feeling the boat slowly turn, with the billowy main blowing around me. It might be just that the sail is so old (original) that the bolt rope is fuzzy and thickened with age. It doesn't hang up in a particular spot, it just gets really tight as it goes up (unless there's no wind at all.)
So I came for expert advice - here! - and read up on sail slugs. Looking through my Sailrite catalogue I see there are several types.
Specifically, what have people used that work well with our masts and sails? The nylon w/stainless bail? All stainless? All nylon? What size width - 1/2"? And the shackle attachment - has anyone done the grommetless shackle? Looks super-simple to put on, and definitely the cheapest, but I wouldn't hesitate to put in grommets if it's structurally advisable.
Thanks for any suggestions! Been doing some great sailing, and yesterday was especially good using my new jib sheet cam cleats on the centerboard. SO much better than the old style jam cleat.
Carlos