If your idea with the teflon is to make the track more slippery so you can adjust the
jib lead, you''re right. The teflon will be next to impossible to make stick to the track. The point loads will likely make it buckle as well. You might be better off using some lubricant like oil, (or grease, which would wash off less easily).
What exactly are you trying to do, however? IMHO, I cannot concieve of Bristol putting undersized genoa track on one of their boats. If it has held up for however many years since the boat was built, it must be tough enough for at least some use. (Is it actually a standard Schaefer track, or perhaps something they made especially for Bristol, or something else from another firm, more substantial than what Schaefer makes now?) Is there a reason you need quick-adjusting-under load capabilities? Many people manage by adjusting their windward leads and making a quick tack to get the other side. George''s idea of tweaking the sheet temporarily with another
line would make the tacking procedure more workable in racing situations, where you might not want to tack for a while. We have 8:1 tackles on our genoa leads that allow us to adjust them at any time on our J/36. I am amazed at how little we actually change the settings, though. Often it is only at mark roundings, when we go from upwind to a close reach and can''t hold a chute that we need to open the slot a bit. One thing that does make moving "non-tackled"
jib cars (we also have a few of those for other things) easier is getting the ones with spring-loaded pins instead of the threaded pins that lock the car in place on the track. Another question would be... how much difference is this going to make in performance on a Bristol 32, and at what cost. Hope this is helpful.
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