Head sail plastic "track" replacement

[zz4gta]

I have a plastic track that slips over my forestay that the headsail is fed into. The PO broke it at some point and I'd like to get another one if possible, however I'm having a hard time finding one online. Would this piece be classified as rigging? Thanks.

[JoeCooper]

Is it white?
Is it inteneded to furl a sail OR merely to hoist and lower a headsail?
If you look at the "feeder" where the sail luff tape enters the plastic part, this ought to be Stainless steel and may be stamped with the phrase Tuff Luff and a number sequence like 1506 for instance.
AND if you study the feeder carefully you may see a second "Groove".

IF there is no such SS feeder
OR groove
OR if the plastic is Grey
OR if there is a furling drum
THEN you will not have a tuff luff but perhaps a CDI furler.
In the case of Tuff Luff, you have a Tuff Tuff manufactured by Schaefer Marine in Newbedford MA and available thru most riggers.
IF a CDI google them for support.
Cheers
Joe Cooper

[Jeff_H]

Generically, these are generally refered to as luff foils and yours is probably made by either a Tuff Luff or HeadFoil. They are reasonably easy to find when searched under the manufacturer. The last time I bought one I think Defender Marine had the best price but that was easily 10-15 years ago.

Jeff

[kananumpua]

They make a big difference in the shape of the leading edge of the headsail by eliminating the hanks. They also make short work out of changing sails due to double tracks.

Here is one from defender. ITS NOT CHEAP.
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?...0993&id=750603

[zz4gta]

Mine is white, and has 2 tracks on it. I don't have a 'spool' for a roller furler. Thanks. I'll try searching by manufacturer.

[kananumpua]

hey, I missed it before but I jsut noticed in your signature you have a merit 25. That a great boat.

The guy who taught me everything I know about sailing has one all rigged out for racing and just bought another one for whatever reason.

[zz4gta]

I just picked it up, and trying to work out all the bugs right now. This one hasn't seen any use in a VERY long time.

[zz4gta]

Just checked out online, and yes, it looks like a head foil / tuff luff extrusion. I don't have anything else, like the feeder or all the other junk for it.

[alecs123]

zz4...
I own a Merit 25 too... Mine has no roller furling and the head sail riggin is secured to the fore stay via shackles... There's a yahoo group that is devoted to Merits, they have been great help with questions like yours...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skedaddleyachtclub/

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by zz4gta

Mine is white, and has 2 tracks on it.

Sounds like a Tuff Luff foil. Should have stainless steel at the entries of each track on the bottom.

Originally Posted by zz4gta

Just checked out online, and yes, it looks like a head foil / tuff luff extrusion. I don't have anything else, like the feeder or all the other junk for it.

You should have a prefeeder a few inches underneith. Will ease feeding the sail in considerably and result in less wear and tear on the luff. Here are a couple types: Schaefer - SS & Bronze Main Sail Pre-feeder 1/4 in. -1/2 in. Bolt Rope (6mm-13mm) (which is similar to what we have on our boat) and SIGNETMARINE Ultimate Prefeeder. Stainless steel headsail prefeeder. (Both sites chosen at random from the results of a Google search on "headsail prefeeder.")

Jim