Luff

[Pat McL]

I am about to order a new suit of sails, and am curious about the pros and cons regarding slugs on the main's luff. Our original (34 yr old) main is bent via the bolt rope in the mast slot. New sail will have slugs. If you have used both, which do you prefer, and why?  Any downside to slugs? Thanks ---Pat

[KPL]

Pat,
I've had both, and I prefer slugs, especially since I keep my boat in the water.  With slugs the luff stays close to the mast when you drop it, making it much easier to stow on the boom.  With the bolt rope, it's tough to keep the sail from spilling all over the cockpit.  Also, with slugs, it makes it practical to lead lines aft and be able to raise the main from the cockpit.  That doesn't work so well with a bolt rope.

You do need to keep the track well lubricated to keep the slugs moving freely.  Other than that, I've found it all positive.

Kevin