Sail slide / slug shackle size?

[MITBeta]

It looks like I ordered shackles that are a bit bigger than the ones already on my mainsail. I have enough to replace all of them. Does it matter significantly how much distance is between the mast and the luff?

[MITBeta]

(sound of crickets)

[PorFin]

I reckon it'll depend on how much distance we're talking about...

If I understand your description, your new slugs A) will definitely fit into the track and move freely; and B) will increase the gap between the luff and the mast.

What's the gap difference between the old and the new?

[MITBeta]

I haven't installed any of them yet. The new shackles are supposedly 1 inch larger than the old ones (that's what it says on the bag), but measuring shows them to be closer to 1/2" larger. The folks who sold them to me (after I asked them this same question...) told me that it would probably be okay.

Boat is a 1974 O'Day 20, if it matters.