mainsail track

[wpsalm]

The new main is fully battened and sticks in the track both up and down...looking at ballbearing batt cars Seldon and Harken both very expensive...can anyone sugest a practical alternative.....Thanks

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[tony_brighton]

Has it always stuck? It might be that the sliders and mast track need cleaning with soap & water. Alternatively - teflon spray?

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[jsl]

I understood that it was characteristic of fully-battened sails to try to stick - because the battens, being under compression, press against the slides. Hence the need for those expensive fancy cars.

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[bugs]

my main has a couple of aluminium sliders at the battens and plastic elsewhere. It was very difficult to hoist and I had to be truly 'head to wind' to get it raised. I wondered if it was simply friction so I sprayed a little oil on the two metal sliders as a test last week.
It made a massive difference and the sliders sailed up the mast
I dont plan to continue to use oils but certainly will look at some form of clean dry lubricant.


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[jzaat]

Try Sailkote, it works a dream, no residue, no dirt just easy sliding!

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[dickhicks]

I had this problem some years back - the sail had white plastic sliders, my local sailmaker, Parker & Kay, fitted heavier black plastic sliders next to the battens and the new intermediate white sliders had loose webbing attaching them to the sail. Problem cured! Cost £100 if I remember. Sail can now be hoisted without winching and drops immediately(but must be head to wind).
The sail is several years old though so the latest systems may not be suitable for this fix. Try speaking to your local sailmaker

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[PaulJ]

Simple, cheap things first...... I haven't tried it in this application but for something different I have recently discovered the silicone grease sold by plumbers merchants for assembling plastic components with rubber seals.
This stuff is cheap and incredibly slippery, it is clear and as far as I know will not stain your sails. I think it would be worth a try..... and if you do, please let me know if it works!

Paul.

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[bigmart]

I don't know if this will work, or even if its still available, but years ago I used to sell an Aerosol Dry Silicon Lubricant Spray that was marketed by Duckhams ( of the Oil fame) being dry it should be more suitable for use near sails as it shouldn't mark them.

Martin

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[wpsalm]

OK thanks very much...will try cleaning the track and some kind of lubrication but in the end will probably go for the fancy bat cars wish they were,nt so expensive but not happy with the way the sail comes down when its time to reef as it is not always possible or convenient to head to wind....

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[Guest]

Try a silicone spray - works wonders!!
But have to say, I also have those expensive cars!
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