Sail entry gate

[eharan]

I have an older Kemp mast with a sail entry gate. Today, while putting on a new main, the gate "broke". The section where the slugs slide through when the gate is "closed" came out. I can see from pictures how it goes back into the mast, sliding up then down (and in fact did put it back together), but there is no "spring" action. The pictures also shows a pad, behind the gate. I didn't see one on mine which leads me to believe that it's lost in the wind.

Two questions - 1. How does this type of mast gate work with the pad? What is the "spring" mechanism to keep the gate closed and 2. if this pad does supply the spring to keep the gate closed, where can I get another and where does it go? Ok that's three but who's counting....

Thanks!

Ed

ps, the new main is great!!

[eharan]

Found my answer. Seems there is a rubber plate in back of the gate that provides it's "spring". The rubber was missing. I was able to make another piece and I'm back in action.

[lickingcardboard]

Glad your back in action, Fair Winds.