rope or sliders ?

[bige]

i have just orderd new sails, old ones have luff rope sewn in.was asked if i wanted
rope or sliders,any one tell me what is the best way to go,ie are sliders better than rope?


thanks big e

 

[Chris_Stannard]

Sliders will run up and down your mast more easily, especially if you keep them lubricated with telon spray from a diving store. They do allow a little gap between mast and sail which is said to reduce sail efficiency but as the front edge of the main is usually luffing a bit going to windward, I have always thought that a dubious argument. The boltrope in the luff does mean there is no gap and is used by racing boats who work with big crews, and the purists will say it is more efficient. However you may need two people at the mast one to hoist the main and the other to feed the boltrope into the track.

Answer therefore, IMHO, is if you intend to race with a big crew go for the boltrope and if you intend to cruise mainly go for sliders.


Chris Stannard

 

[l'escargot]

Sliders also allow you to drop the sail more quickly and it is easier to temporarily flake the sail.
A cheaper alternative to teflon spray is interior trim cleaning spray for cars - contains silicon