Mast hardware help

[greg988]

What is the name of the little metal cylinder that goes into the mast channel to keep things (like the main sail) from coming back out?  Mine took a swim and can't find what they're called to get more.

[geeman]

I've always heard them called gates.

[brackish]

Davis sail track stops.  But my advice.  Do this instead

[greg988]

Thank you!  What does that do?

[brackish]

It keeps the sail slides in the track and does not let them out of the gate when you lower the sail.  It also is a quick release when you need to reef and drop a couple of slides.  It will not be dropped overboard unlike what you had, you have to realize that most boat coach roofs are designed for that item to take a one bounce dive to the drink. I lost at least three of them before i went to what is pictured.

Can't remember either McMaster Carr or Grainger, about five bucks.  You have to be willing to drill an alignment hole through your mast.  It is a push pin with a spring ball detent, all stainless steel that is securely attached to the mast.

[greg988]

Very good idea, thanks so much!

[AirborneJarhead]

Brilliant! I'm constantly struggling getting my stops in or adjusted to where I want them. Those days are soon to be over!

[bruce]

Agreed, great idea!

For those interested, this looks like it. In order to get a link to forward, I choose 1/4" x 2" for the pin size, looked about right. Lots of other sizes available. I'm sure brackish will set me straight if necessary.
https://www.mcmaster.com/94975a174

[brackish]

Think I used 3/16" but not sure.  There is no load on the thing just the weight of the flaked sail also supported by the boom.  Length?  I took a set of calipers up there and kind of measured where it would go and then added a little.  I'll check next time at the boat.  Hardest part getting the drill bit started without leading off on that curved surface.  I also drilled with a slight slant so the ring side would be just ever so slightly high.  Probably not necessary.  Locate it above your gate where you want your sail slugs to collect.  I do still use a Davis track stop but below the boom to support it when the sail is lowered.  I never take it out so don't lose it.

[bruce]

Hardest part getting the drill bit started without leading off on that curved surface.

One trick I've used is to start small, like 1/8" or smaller, that will register well at an angle on a center punch. Then increase the hole gradually with a series of larger bits, following the first hole. Starting with a 3/16" bit would be difficult, in my experience.

[Garyandjoanlee]

sail slug

[brackish]

it turns out my pin was 3/16" by 1-1/2" usable length which makes OAL of the pin 1-7/8"  Larger diameter not really necessary, be careful with the length, somewhat dictated by where you drill your thru holes. too long ok, too short you buy a longer pin.  You have to place it where the slugs will sit on it without dropping under it and getting caught.