Mainsail Sticking

[nov2662harley]

I'm sure this question has been asked a dozen times before but I'm a rookie so please bear with me. I have a Catalina 22 in great shape with all lines led aft. My main sail is full batten. I can raise the main relatively easy, however even when pointed into the wind lowering the main requires me to go to the mast and assist by lightly pulling on the luff. I would like to be able to handle everything from the cockpit. I'm not ready to singlehand yet but this would certainly help me to get there. Suggestions?

[MarkJ]

Hi

In the chandelry is some WILDLY expensive products: silicon lubracant either in a spary can or a little stick like a lipstick.

But before you thrust you hand into your pocket slip uo the mast with some cotton ear buds, toothbrush (use your wifes as it tastes horrible afterward) and some slim rages. Try to clean the inside of the track up the mast.

the with the toothbrush clean each of the slugs attached to the mainsial. Sometimes a little gunk in the corners will slow it down, or push it in a direction that they lock.

If that fails then go to the shop and spend lotsa money


Mark

[Rex Delay]

Make sure the track and slugs are clean. Make sure the sail slugs are the correct size for the track. Lubricate it.

[Blue Stocking]

I use a "food quality" dry silicone spray on my slides and track. A product made by "Cyclo", in an orange spray can.

[Sailndive345]

Your full battens may be causing the problem by getting cocked at a downward angle because of the sail weight. Harken (& others) make special full batten attachment slides to take care of the problem - may want to explore how many $$ they cost.

Fair winds!

Sailndive

[SkiprJohn]

If cleaning the slides and slot doesn't work then you can use a tag line from the head, down just forward of each slide and then to a block on deck and led to the cockpit. A tug on the line ought to bring it down.
regards,

[nov2662harley]

Thanks everyone for the response. I'll get to the boat tomorrow to look into it.

[barnakiel]

Clean and Lubokote the track. If still stuck - check if it is smooth and if it is - replace the worn cars.