I am thinking of installing a Tides Strong Track system on my NS30 – would appreciate learning about others’ experience with sourcing, especially in Canada, and with installation. I have a relatively recent sail which would need compatible sail slides, I assume. So the total cost, I am guessing, might be not insignificant.
Thanks in advance,
Bill Baxter
Persistence NS30 #507
Penetang, ON
Bill,
When we first got La Reina she had the standard sail track and bronze slides. I later switched to the Strong Track system. I did not see any improvement in hoisting or dropping the sail. The Strong track will prevent the screws holding the sail track in place from backing out and jamming the slides so in that regard it is an improvement. If I had to do it over again I would not buy the Strong Track. While the Strong Track will eventually degrade from UV rays it is unlikely to happen here given the limited amount of sunshine we see.
I realize my experience has been different that most people who have installed the Strong Track system. Most people have had positive results.
Mark Powers
La Reina 26C
Vancouver, B.C.
I agree with Mark.
I currently own 30-438 with the Tides track and previously owned 26-16 with regular track and bronze slides. I don’t find much difference between the two.
When I bought a new sail for the 26 that came with stainless steel slides I switched over to the bronze slides immediately as the SS slides had terrible bind compared to bronze.
With the Tides track you have to be careful not to get damage from the crane when pulling the mast.
Jeff
30-438 SummerPlace
Olympia WA
Mark, I agree. We have the standard sail track and a standard sail (no full battens) with bronze slides. As long as we lubricate the slides with a little dish soap occasionally, slack the choker and keep the boat head to wind when raising or lowering the sail we have no trouble with either maneuver. So, I tend to see the Strong Track as an expensive solution in search of a problem. If I had a sail with one or more full width battens I would probably feel differently.
David Young
Bay Cat, 30U #402
Traverse City / Suttons Bay, MI