Slugs jamming at mast gate

[BigAl.NZ]

Hi All,

We have a Selden/Kemp mast (1990's vintage). Often when hoisting the main, the sail slugs get jammed as the main is going up and the slugs are traversing the gate.

We know that we have to guide them, but even so it happens sometimes.

It looks like the slugs "dive" and go all the way into the track, as they do this they of course jam.

The gate looks very much like this:

https://www.technicalmarinesupplies....complete/1946/

Anyone know a fix for this?

Cheers,

Al

[nhschneider]

I have the same problem. Squirting it with a dry lubricant like McLube helps but it’s still a pain. My mizzenmast is worse than the mainmast!

I’ve researched low-friction, external sail track options but I haven’t found any I like. Please post if you find a good solution.

Fair winds and calm seas.

[nhschneider]

I have the same problem. Squirting it with a dry lubricant like McLube helps but it’s still a pain. My mizzenmast is worse than the mainmast!

I’ve researched low-friction, external sail track options but I haven’t found any I like. Please post if you find a good solution.

Fair winds and calm seas.

[BigAl.NZ]

Will do.

[psk125]

Have to think that it might be something to do with the slugs and possibly their connection to the sail. Are they held on with webbing? Shackles? Lashings? If the connection allows them to twist or fall out of the right plane, being too loose, that could set things up for a jam. Changing the connections might help if lubricating isn’t enough.