This Thingymajiggy Keeps Falling Out

[A_Sails_Pace]

I haven’t a clue what this little piece is called I’m afraid but it keeps falling out of my mast whenever I raise/lower my mainsail. I know what it’s designed for of course and I’m aware that when I bought the boat there was a small rubber makeshift stopper (now lost, unfortunately) lodged inside the piece, which I suspect was designed to prevent it from falling out. Only it didn’t seem to work.

Does anyone know the name of this part? And are there are good methods of preventing it from falling out of the mast?

Many thanks,

A.S.P

 

[Seashoreman]

The last slide on my mainsail is a tighter fit so holds the rest up.
I have also used a thin piece of rope to do the same thing, if you have cleats in the right places.

 

[ashtead]

I assume it’s a mast gate so maybe an enquiry to you mast maker might elicit useful info ? You don’t say class of boat but I guess an owners forum might be another source of guidance

 

[A_Sails_Pace]

I assume it’s a mast gate so maybe an enquiry to you mast maker might elicit useful info ? You don’t say class of boat but I guess an owners forum might be another source of guidance

Entirely fair point actually. I’ll check there..

“Mast gate”, yeah, that’s the one.

Cheers mate

 

[guernseyman]

It is (on my mast at any rate) a short length of foam rubber. It has been there for at least 10 years. About 1 cm long and a little less wide. It fits snugly into a recess fixed to the mast inside the track. I'm speaking from memory so my description may not be exactly precise.
And it does stop that alloy piece falling out while allowing the piece to be depressed to allow the sail sliders to be inserted, or removed.

 

[Seashoreman]

Selden Sail Entry Gate Tongue (jimmygreen.com)
Is this the same as your pics?
If so, you know now what its actually called.

 

[A_Sails_Pace]

@Seashoreman - that’s spot on mate thanks. I think a spare of of these won’t do any harm.

likewise, @guernseyman , thanks, I think it’s the lost foam/rubber that is the issue. I’ll try and get some and cut to fit.

Appreciated as always.

 

[Boathook]

@Seashoreman - that’s spot on mate thanks. I think a spare of of these won’t do any harm.

likewise, @guernseyman , thanks, I think it’s the lost foam/rubber that is the issue. I’ll try and get some and cut to fit.

Appreciated as always.

Shouldn't require a spare once the "foam" is sorted out. The foam needs to be a dense type for it to work correctly and stay in place.

 

[A_Sails_Pace]

Thanks all. After searching for foam/rubber to cut to size I actually found a couple of sites that do "sail entry rubber pads" which seem perfect. I've just ordered from Allspars Ltd...

Sail Entry Rubber Pad at Allspars

Just figured I'd mention it in case someone else looks for similar info.