My sail always needs to be pulled down the last 1/3 of its hoist. It
seems that as it flakes, the slides are twisted and bind a little in
the sail track. Therefore, I am considering StrongTrack.
Does anyone have thoughts or advice on this?
Ed Collis
N30U
ORION VII
Toronto
This is my first season, so others on the list have much more experience. Also, I installed Strong Track right before I splashed my boat for the first time so I cannot comment on how life would be without it. But, when I release the halyard and let it run...the sail goes WHUMP and lickety-split it's sitting in the cradle lines just as neat as can be. I've never had to go forward to pull down the sail. I'm happy with the system.
Jim Cosgrove
Morgan 26C #138
Annapolis, MD
Ed
Are you releasing the choker before you drop the sail? Also dishwashing liquid dripped on the slides before raising sail really helps.
Mike
BIANKA
1986 30U
It seems to me that a Strong Track is an extreme solution to a problem which can be solved by easing the choker, easing the sheet, using dishwashing liquid (or spray lube) on the slides before you pull the sail up, and being sure that you have a full luff in the sail before you drop it. Have the halyard flaked out so that you can drop it all at once – do not just ease it.
Allen Ames
Also – replace any stainless steel slides (they tend to bind) with bronze.
Allen Ames
I’ve always been amazed at how well the S****trongtrack system works. I get a big kick out of sailing into an anchorage, turning upwind and dropping the sail instantly. It always impresses the non Nonsuches.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221 (1984)
Sea Harbour Yacht Club
Oriental, NC
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We had a similar problem on our N26C. It turned out to be a very slight dent in the sail track inflicted during our yearly masting/demasting. Once straightened the sail went up and down like a yo-yo. Like Mike, I also use a mixture of washing up detergent and water sprayed on the slugs before raising sail.
Allan & Judy Maclatchy
Nonsuch 26C 106 SWALE
Ottawa River, Canada.
It is nice how quick it drops makes us look slick!!
Steve Bosco #210 ns 3-0
full agreement here! We had strongtrack installed on our 33 before we put it in the water last year and have had amazing drops!
Helen Dakin
I agree with Allen. Bronze slides are great as long as you shim the track to raise it over the bands since the thicker bronze slides need a greater clearance. I switched to bronze in 2006. I have been getting perfect drops this year without soaping the track ever since I replaced the 3/8" halliard with a lighter 5/16" low stretch one that is much more flexible. Any failures are the result of not being head to wind causing a batten or two to fall outside the wishbone. Before the season ends I will probably use some soap on the slides and track to remove gum from spiders and tree sap etc.
John Newell
Mascouche 26C 1
Toronto