Headsail Sheet Lead Systems

[SailNet]

As wind conditions change, or a furler is used to reef the genoa, sail shape needs to be altered to suit the new conditions. Adjusting the location of the headsail sheet lead block changes the angle, and therefore the shape of the sail. The use of a track system with a slider or lead car makes this procedure easier.

TRACK

• An anvil-shaped track compatible for use with recirculating ball bearing and slide rod cars, usually aluminum.
  
• T-shape, for use with slides. T-track is constructed of anodized aluminum, bronze, or stainless steel, drilled with plunger holes and is low in profile and lightweight.

LEAD CARS AND SLIDES

• Slides for T-track with a bail for a separate block
  
• Slides with carrier and sheave for T-track
  
• Slide rod cars for recirculating ball track
  
• Recirculating ball bearing cars

Slide with spring loaded block adapter

Slide with attachment bail

ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustments can be made with pin-stops or by a towing line. Tow lines allow adjustments to be made from the cockpit, even if the car is under a load. If the preferred method of adjustment is a towline, the car and end stops need to be outfitted with control line sheaves.

SHEAVES AND SHEAVE CARRIERS

• Sheaves reduce the friction and wear of a sheet line and, with newer technology, they now ride on ball or roller bearings. Extra wide sheaves are built to carry two sheet lines which facilitates changing sails. The wider sheaves also allow a greater lead angle to the winch and less friction and/or chafe on the line.
  
• Sheave carriers can pivot, swivel, or articulate to accommodate changing lead angles.

TIPS

• The advantage to slides and slide rod cars is that they can be easily removed from the track.
  
• Most high quality slides use slide liners to reduce friction on the track. Slides differ from cars in that they have attachment points for a snatch block or lead block which are removable in lieu of permanently attached sheave carriers.
  
• Each manufacturer provides loading data for selecting proper track, car, and end stops.
  
• Tow load required to move a car increases when:
  
  
  
  • Sail area increases
    
  • Wind strength increases
    
  • Sheet tension increases
    
  • Angle increases

INSTALLATION
Replacing only a slider or car may require no tools at all. A sailor with average skills and minimal tools can easily accomplish installation of a new track or replacement of an existing track.

Toolbox:

New track

• Screwdriver
  
• Wrenches
  
• Drill and bits
  
• Caulking and tape
  
• Fasteners
  
• Control line, if used

Replacement track, if the new track’s hole centers are the same as the old or sliding bolt track is used.

• Same as for new, except drill and bits.

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