Adding T track to the mast for main sail?

[knuterikt]

Hi
We have decided to order a new mainsail to our boat.
And now we are discussing different solutions for mainsail arrangements.
We have decided to go for a fully batten main, but we have been discussing three different options for attaching the sail to the mast.

1
To keep the existing configuration with Rutgerson battcars running in the existing groove in the mast using nylon slugs for the intermediate points.
The battcars look like this. http://www.rutgerson.se/default.asp?...to=2&Group=104

2
Same as above but use cars for the intermediate also, like this
http://www.rutgerson.se/default.asp?...to=2&Group=104
Added cost approximately 500 USD (compared to 1)
Give less friction than 1.

With alternative 1 and 2 the T shaped piece going into the mast groove can jam when they are exposed to side forces.

3
Mount an outside track on the mast and use battcars and intermediate cars designed for this track.
This is the system I’m looking at http://www.facnor.com/uk/main.asp?ur...re=actualite_9
Added cost approximately 2000 USD (compared to 1)
Less friction than 2, especially when there is side forces on the car


The boat is 38 feet with a mainsail of 36 sq m

Does anyone have any experience doing changes like this?

[KeelHaulin]

Try harkencompuspec.com for a ball-bearing system battcar system; but be prepared for the sticker-shock

[PBzeer]

Here's the system I used with my new full batten mainsail. Works excellently and has no ball bearings.
http://www.tidesmarine.com/sail-track.html