main sail sliders

[AIDY]

any advice on upgrading my mainsail sliders, for possibly a track and a ballraced carr system. Or any other options ?

I've looked at ronstan. Do any other manufactures come to mind.

Anyone done it recently and can offer some advice. Please........

tia

 

[Pincoya]

I was ready to install a Harken system until I spoke with Ullman Sails in San Diego. they recommended a Tides Marine Strong system which I went on to install. It is terrific, costs less than a roller bearing system and works perfectly. Take a look at http://www.tidesmarine.com/sail-track.html

Paul

 

[davidbains]

Interesting thread. I've just fitted a Crusader fully battened main with sliders into a Sailpar mast. The sail works great when we have finally got it up, takes two crew with a big winch handle and lots of McLube.

 

[Slowtack]

I inherited a very simple system installed by the previous owner on my 33 footer with a relatively tall fractional rig, battened main, no track. The sliders fit in the original mast groove for the mainsail boltrope. Each batten has an articulated metal slider unit. There are two intermediate plastic sliders between each pair of battens. No problem raising and dropping the sail. No need for lubricants. Just minimise prebend by loosing the backstay. It only needs moderate winching over the last 250 to 500mm.

 

[bobgoode]

Had a similar problem with the sliders of my fully battened main. Try using a light smear of teflon grease ( generally used on sliding doors) rather than McLube. It is cheaper and the sail now goes up and down light lightning. You will need to clean the track and sliders and re apply a couple of times each year.