I’ve read some of the comments, and can say that what ever works for you is what counts. When I purchased "Bearcat’ 11years ago, it came with a Strong track, well it’s really not a track, but you know what I mean. There isn’t anyone who has this system that doesn’t think it is the best choice..sure it costs more than standard sail tracks with what ever slides you choose to use, and that would be the only reason for not having one, I guess…I know that the standard slides will work, that is if you don’t mind lubricating the slides, an ongoing maintenance consideration, and potentially a little messy I would guess, but maybe not…
All this talk just boils down to one thing…does your sail go up, and down, and that is all that matters…Jack Lombard
This subject of sail slides has surfaced a few times. Having problems with mine soon after I purchased my boat over two years, with interest I read the inputs. Last year a very wise and intelligent Nonsuch owner recommended using liquid dish soap on the slides every now and then. I went to the dollar store and bought a bottle of cheap soap and have been using it ever since. It works like a charm. If there is no rain, every 3 or 4 sails, I usually pour some on the top slide and let it work its way down. If it rains I usually put a little more on. It does not take much. Leaves no stain and I do not find it messy. As well I have the container of soap for a number of other uses. After a year and a half of using this method I am going to have to breakdown and spend another dollar as I just ran out of the stuff yesterday. It’s going to screw up my budget.
Butch Garren
NS 22 #30
Whiskers
Solomons, MD
Jack,
Sorry to disagree with you but I am the exception that may prove the rule. I do not think the Strong Track “is the best choice”. When I purchased La Reina she had a standard track and bronze slides. I replaced the system with a Strong Track system. The sail is now harder to hoist and does not drop as well. The only benefit I have found with the Strong Track is that it should prevent the track screws from backing out and jamming the sail slides. If I had it to do over again I would not spend the money on a Strong Tack. I would have bronze slides and lubricate the track regularly.
Mark Powers & Nesta Davies
La Reina 26C
Burrard Civic Marina
Vancouver, B.C.
Mark: I would think that something is wrong with the installation. The Strong track system is know for it’s ease in raising and lowering sails. Has a competent rigger looked at it??
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221 (1984)
Sea Harbour Yacht Club
Oriental, NC
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