Sail Slugs

[jusw]

I have managed to break a nylon sail slug (runs in the luff groove of the main) - in fact it is the uppermost one on the sail - I got the sail jammed at the top of the mast with the flag halyard, and tugging to free it, I think I broke it.

My question is, where do I get a replacement? The system is Z spars on a Hunter 27 - I'm in the Chichester area, do sailmakers carry such items?

JuSw

 

[merlin3688]

I think the section used is a Z265, you may find Holman Rigging in Chichester can help you. He is a Z Spar agent. I guess any sail maker will carry the slide.

 

[Pye_End]

If it is the small white slugs then most chandlers stock them.

 

[VicS]

Most chandlers.

Try Seateach in Emsworth and also the chandlery in Emsworth marina,

Any sail maker should be able to help.

Try also Cover Care in Thornham Marina

You will need to know the type of slider and the width of the slot it has to run in but preferably take the broken bits along with you.

 

[Martin_J]

You can confirm whether it is a Z265 section from the measurements in the brochure below.. The fore/aft and side to side measurements in mm should confirm..

Z-Spars mast section and sailmakers information brochure

The sail slide for that section looks to be the A013 or A014.

I would suggest spending time and tracking down the exact fitting. Chandleries tend just just stock 'big' and 'small'.. A mm difference in size in any direction can really cause issues with the hoist.

 

[Martin_J]

They seem to be a standard Bainbridge stock item so any chandlery 'should' be able to get them in.. Most likely your local sailmaker will have a selection.

Bainbridge sail slide variants

FWIW - I have a selection of new A014 slides in my hand right now...

PM me your whereabouts in West Sussex.. I could get you an A014 by tomorrow morning!

 

[Martin_J]

Final posting this evening..
A better Z-Spars website for mast section definitions...
ZSpars UK mast and boom sections

 

[William_H]

Top sail slug

I wold strongly recommend you go for a metal slider type slug for the top of the mainsail if you ever reef the sail. When the sail is right to the top of the mast (full sail) the halyard provides some pull into the mast for the sail. Counteracting the load of the sail and main sheet. When you drop the head of the sail down say .8 metre when reefed the halyard no longer provides that pull into the mast. So all load is on that top slug. It can break or worse deform and jam in the track. consider....olewill