I have a single zipper, starts at mast, ends at clew. I attach halyard at dock. When I hoist, the sail splits the zipper open as the sail goes up. I have a 2ft line on the slider to make it easier to run the slider when re-zipping it. Both sets of reef lines come out at opening at clew end.
Don -
I have seen the best of zippers jam, at times. They aren’t constructed to “open” as a load is pulled up through them i. e. backwards. I might be being overly cautious but I think that, just maybe, it might be an accident waiting to happen. The sail or the cover (or both) could be damaged. If it was me, I’d open the whole bag then raise the sail. My two cents worth.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Ernie, when sail cover is zipped, the slider is at the clew end of the sail. The zipper just breaks open, starting at the mast as sail is raised. There’s a velcro flap on the sail cover over the sail headboard at the mast to keep the zipper zipped. This is a common zipper setup used on many larger race boats for headsails.
My husband and I have an older one zipper stack pack that is falling apart and we need to replace.
Several of you have recommended stack packs with 2 or 3 zippers.
We would appreciate photos and identifying manufacturer if you would send them.
Thank you,
Becky Raymond
Mike Stangl
Mariposa, NS 30 U
Dutch Harbor, RI
Chuck Mitchell, I would love to see a photo of your Mack Pack. I’d like to know how it stays in place at the front while under sail, as I’ve heard it does not go around the mast.
Thanks,
Elsie Sands
Seven Stars
NS26C
Maple Bay, BC
Hi Elsie -
When I was germinating my ideas for a sailPac of some description, I took 2 shots of a MackPac on a non-Nonsuch (possibly, a smaller Benetau ??). Plus, I copied a shot of a MackPac on an NS26. I’ve included them here.
Cheers,
Ernie A. in Toronto
Further to this, this Pac looks like it’s attached somehow to the mast. Noting that one should not drill any holes in the mast, I’d like to know how it attaches to the mast.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Thanks very much Ernie. I appreciate. We have our local NS rendezvous coming up July 19 to 22 and I’m hoping to see some MackPacs and other NS sail covers there. Your photos are very helpful.
Elsie