Mainsail slugs or slides

[Whistlingdixie]

Hi guys,

Trying to make my solo sailing a little easier with my 84' model. I got an hank on jib bag. It's been useful. I have read that some guys have slides or slugs that make the sail easier to raise. Is this something I can do or do I need to get new sailers first. Right now my sail just slides in the grove in the mast.

[deisher6]

Hey Whistlin:
What a good question.  I have had both types of mainsails on two C-16's. 

When using the bolt rope I always sailed with a crew.  When the sail was down it pretty much clutters up the cockpit.  Using slides, the luff remains attached to the mast and may be easier to handle while single handling.

If you have a grommet kit you could put slides on your main.  I don't know how your luff is constructed but you might consider reinforcing the grommets with sail repair tape.  You need to buy or make a sail stop to keep the slides from coming out of the track when the sail is down.

You could also attach the foot of the sail with sail slides.  I always used the foot rope in the groove in the on the boom.  More advanced folks use loose footed mains.

Smooth Sailing

regards charlie

[JBC]

Charlie is right, it can be done, but I would suggest you investigate carefully a few details. First, your bolt rope may be thicker than the typical mainsail made with the slug arrangement, so I would get a slug to see if the attachment clip on the slug would fit through the grommet and around the current rope/luff ok. Second, there are different size slugs. Can't remember the size used on the 16 (1/4 inch?), but make certain you use slugs that easily slide in the groove, yet won't slip out. Third, I'd make sure and use quality grommets, not cheap ones that might in time rust and bleed that into the sail material. Fourth, you need to check on spacing the grommets/slugs. Don't have my mainsail handy, but perhaps someone who does can measure the space between the slugs on their setup (1 foot?).
Best of luck,
Jett

[Whistlingdixie]

Thanks for the input. Yes I was laying in bed last night thinking about some of those same things. So if anyone can measure the spacing that would be great and or knows what size sliders to use , that would be most helpful as well.

I don't belong to many groups but this is one of the best !

[Gerry]

I just put slides on a friends mainsail.  I purchased the slides and lugs from Nautus [sp].  There are four systems available.  I choose NOT to use grommets.  I used the small screws on the slugs to go directly of the rope and onto the sail.  After one season, this method has worked perfect.  BTW: research tells you the spacing and number required.  Mine are 18" apart.  Don't forget to purchase a sail stop.

[Whistlingdixie]

Perfect! Can you send me a link to the ones you got? Thank in advance

[Cats Paw]

I had the sailmaker do the conversion on the main from bolt rope to slugs. The slugs on my rig are 7/16 dia.  Along with the sail stop add sail ties to the list as I am sure you will want to lay up the sail on the boom as not to have it lay into the cockpit. I like the system of having the slugs over bolt rope. Makes bending the sail so much easier to haul up and drop.

[Gerry]

Whistlingdixie
    This is the process I used to install mainsail slugs and slides on my friend's Sol Cat 18.
         Looked at advice and types on sailrite.com
         Watched various youtube videos on process
         determined correct sizes and numbers from research and ordered on extra slug and slide and sail stop
         ordered directly from Nautos-USA, Amazon or EBay or a combo of all three.  I don't remember
         laid out sail in garage, measured, marked locations, screwed in slugs and slides
     "Piece of Cake"

Gerry

[Ed Epstein]

Please advise re sail stops-sounds like a good idea for ease of use-Do you know a source for a sail stop?

Thanks

Ed

[carry-on]

Just google "sail stop" and you will get pix of the sail stop. About $8-$10 at any marine hardware store. Just a threaded bolt and nut with a knurled head. Goes in the track below the slugs and above the slug gate.
Suggest you buy two because if fumbled, the sail stop often bounces into the briny. 
In a pinch a bungee or a small line and clove hitch just above the gate will do the job.

[JTMeissner]

Amazon carries them.

http://a.co/dmtxIso


http://a.co/2y9q2V5


Choose flat (two sizes) or round.

-Justin

[CayugaSailor]

     And the most important thing with sail slugs is to be sailing directly into the wind when raising or lowering. Even at a slight angle the slugs can bind in the track and make it difficult to raise OR lower the main.
     Smooth sailing!

[BrickBridge]

This thread inspired me to bite the bullet and install sail slugs. I got on the water with them today and I figured I should report in. I used 11 sailrite nylon 1/2 inch slugs part number 23308 with 10 sailrite screw on plastic shackles part number 24106. I installed them with 18 inch spacing with an extra slug at the head attached with whipping because it had to attach through the metal head plate. All other slugs were installed with a screw on shackle screwed through the luff just on the other side of the bolt rope. The install was quick and easy. Spacing was a little less at the shackle closest to the tack. I already had some sail stops so the total cost of this project was just $30.66 including shipping from sailrite.

I think 18 inches of separation worked out pretty well. The bottom slug is a little close to the tack. I might remove it. Thanks to everyone for sharing their knowledge and experience. I've attached some pictures.

[Whistlingdixie]

Looks great. I have all my stuff but have not done it yet. Question what sail stop do you use? All the best and merry Christmas !

[Whistlingdixie]

Looks great ! Thanks for the pics. I got all my stuff. Question - I have not gotten a sail stop yet , which one do you use? What size?