Mainsail track "stiff" - how to lubricate?

[Blue_Pearl]

Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

Getting very tired hoisting the main ....... it seems to be very "sticky" and I have to resort to a winch from just over halfway up ! Is there a recognised method of lubricating the track / slides?

 

[weaver_fish]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

This stuff? works for us - although I am sure there is a cheaper alternative!

 

[dt4134]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

MacLube is the usual stuff. There are cheaper brands but I can't remember one of the top of my head.

Just spray it inside the track. Best to hoist someone up to do it but almost as good and a lot easier if you spray it between sliders as you hoist the sail.

Don't get it on the deck unless you fancy a bit of skating.

What are the sheaves like at the top of the mast?

 

[l'escargot]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

I use spray dashboard cleaner from Halfords - it is basically a silicon polish. A light spray into the track as you hoist the sail, reapply when needed. Works for me (and cheap because it doesn't say "marine") /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Blue_Pearl]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

Not sure about the sheves yet ...... planning on going up the mast tomorrow to have a look ......... where can I get this Maclube stuff - or do most swindlers stock it ?

 

[richardabeattie]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

Surely you can tell if the sheave is OK by disconnecting the halyard from the sail, holding both ends, and pulling one way and the other. If the sheave was stuck you'd feel the friction. I just use a tube of silicon grease and give the sliders a smear from time to time

 

[NormanS]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

Furniture polish.

 

[mikejames]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

I sprayed silicone grease onto the bolt rope which worked well, then I bought a new sail which also works quite well. The grease is about 1% of the cost of the second solution.

 

[OGITD]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

TABLEAU Dry Lube Silicone Lubricant, £3:99 from my local hardware shop.

www.tableaurpm.co.uk

http://www.tableauproducts.com/sections/HOUSEHOLD-CARE/3

 

[dt4134]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

[ QUOTE ]
...where can I get this Maclube stuff - or do most swindlers stock it ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, most swindelries have it, but it can be quite expensive.

The Tableau Dry Lube sounds like it'll do the job. Might get some myself to give it a try.

 

[Blue_Pearl]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

Thanks for advice. Will try tomorrow, depending on availability.

 

[retsina]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

Silicone spray from Tesco. Is normally kept in the auto section.

 

[jwilson]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

McLube is the best product, but spray furniture polish (pick a really cheap all-chemical brand with no fancy beeswax to nourish the wood) works OK too.

As others have said, also sounds like your masthead sheave is sticky or jammed. Also you don't say if you have halliard led back to the cockpit, the extra friction of doing this makes hauling sails up MUCH harder. Look at the friction on those turning blocks too.

 

[ditchcrawler]

Re: Mainsail track \"stiff\" - how to lubricate?

I have tried many of the sprays.PTFE dry spray seems to work the best & I get mine from bike shops.Much cheaper than marine.Last year I used a white grease in a small pot made by Starbright.It says PTEF on the container.It seems to work well & lasts better than the spray.I usually spray 4/5 times a year but the grease lasted all season.