Sail Slugs comming out of the slot

superiorvoyager · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009

The sail Slugs have always seemed a little loose on my Lugger Voyager and would get twisted sometimes and stick a bit and occationally pull right out of the slot. They are 5/8" slugs so I tried using some 3/4 " ones I had from an old boat but these were too big to fit in the slot. I started lubricating them last year which helped but a month ago I was out in a pretty significant wind (35knts+) and a couple of slugs pulled out of the slot and then the rest either pulled out or most just snapped off. Well I figured maybe they were a little worn so ordered new 5/8" slugs and replaced them all. Unfortunately they still are loose and would occationaly come out. Today I was out in a 20-25 knt wind and again all the slugs pulled out. The problem seems to be that 5/8" is too small and 3/4" is too big yet I haven't been able to find anything in between. Can anyone tell me where I could find something in between or another way of addressing this problem.

JimsCAL · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009

I suspect the mast slot is worn. Two possible solutions come to mind. File down some of the larger slugs so they will fit. Or mount a track on the mast and change the slugs to match.

svHyLyte · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009

You might want to consider the alternative of installing a Strong Sail Track (see Sail Care for Strong sail track and slide system, sail cleaning, sail repair, new sails, roller furlings and sailing equipment or Google Tides Marine). This was previously discussed at http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...ck-system.html

chucksk · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009

"Metal Mast" slides have different dimensions than the standard nylon or plastic slides. I had a similar problem until I replaced the 3/4" slides with metal mast #8 slides which are 0.9" wide. There is also a metal mast #6 slide available which may have the correct dimension for your mast. Metal mast slides are available from Sailmaker's Supply.

Chuck

superiorvoyager · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009

Sounds like a new track, and probably the strong system might be needed. I'd rather save money and just get slides that fit but I haven't been able to find any listed online. I searched Sail makers Supply but they don't seem to have any 5/8" listed in metal. I may just have to make due with what I have for now and not go out in big winds until I can afford a new track. Anyone have any sugestions on where I can get 5/8" flat metal slugs?

sck5 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2009

i put a strong track on last winter. it is great! release the halyard and the sail just drops. so easy to raise the sail anyone can do it.

chucksk · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2009

"Metal Mast" does not mean the slides are metal. It means the slides are made for the "Metal Mast" track. They come in 2 sizes - #6 and #8. They also come in delrin or bronze. Check Sailmaker's Supply again. I suggest that you order a few #6 delrin slides and try them. They are listed as being 3/4" slides, but they might be smaller than that.

superiorvoyager · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-2009

I'll check out the #6 delrin slides as well as consider the strong system. Does anyone know a Canadian Supplier for the strong system?

superiorvoyager · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009

well I called Sailmakers Supply and they informed me the number 6 Delrin slides are a full .75" which is too big. I need something between .64" and .7" which they don't carry. They told me that there are other sizes especially metric sizes but wern't any help in directing me to t
where I could get anything. Still looking for suggestions on where I might find something.

heinzir · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2009

Try asking some of the other Luger boat owners on their website:

http://www.lugerboats.com