[cthoops]

Our boat included a roller furling 130 genoa and we bought a new-to-us 98 jib during the off season.

When we use the jib, the bottom is full while the head flaps incessantly. We've figured out that we need to move the car forward on the track to fix that particular issue, but the car on the port side is getting stuck part way up the track (and of course it's not far enough forward yet to stop the flapping).

To move the car you twist a screw on top of it and then screw it down when the car is where you want it on the track.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. We'd rather not have to switch back to the 130 until the heat of summer (and it's light winds) begins.

 

[tempest]

What's blocking it from sliding forward?

Often, it's because dirt and gunk can collect under the track if it's deck mounted.
If mounted on a teak toe rail, I just spent time scraping out old Cetol that had accumulated from the PO not taping off the track.

 

[cthoops]

What's blocking it from sliding forward?

Often, it's because dirt and gunk can collect under the track if it's deck mounted.
If mounted on a teak toe rail, I just spent time scraping out old Cetol that had accumulated from the PO not taping off the track.

We're not sure what's blocking it. Dirt and gunk is certainly a possibility. It's not mounted on a teak toe rail, so it's definitely not Cetol, but I would think the same method would apply.

How did you scrape out the old Cetol? I'm picturing acetone and a handful of qtips, but that probably wouldn't be good enough.

 

[tempest]

We're not sure what's blocking it. Dirt and gunk is certainly a possibility. It's not mounted on a teak toe rail, so it's definitely not Cetol, but I would think the same method would apply.

How did you scrape out the old Cetol? I'm picturing acetone and a handful of qtips, but that probably wouldn't be good enough.

I just used a paint scraper, ( the kind that has a pointy end ) and a cabinet scraper in other places.

The other thing that comes to mind is that beside dirt and grime sometimes there's bedding compound that may have been squeezed out when the track was bedded or re-bedded that needs to be trimmed/scraped out. When I re-bedded my deck mounted tracks, I had to trim out the excess compound.

 

[blt2ski]

To me, sounds like it is time to get some line control style cars, maybe new tracks etc. Makes playing with rolerfurled head sails MUCH easier. All it takes is a pull on a line, vs going forward, pulling a pin up, unscrewing etc to get the carr to move forward. And they have bearings vs friction to ease the moving process.

Marty

 

[capta]

I would check the screw heads on the track. One could have backed out a bit and would stop the car from moving. I have seen cars that the pin does not come up enough to allow the car to slide easily along the track, as well. Though unlikely, someone could also have replaced a car with the wrong size for your track. Keeping those cars moving freely should be part of your regular maintenance.

 

[BarryL]

Hey,

I would use sailkote, a hammer, and an inspection of the track. Spray the track with Sailkote, move the car forward. When it hits, back it up and see why it won't move forward. Then clean, beat down, or otherwise clear the obstruction, and continue. Some gentle taps with the hammer on the base of the car may help too.

Good luck,
Barry

 

[tomandchris]

To me, sounds like it is time to get some line control style cars, maybe new tracks etc. Makes playing with rolerfurled head sails MUCH easier. All it takes is a pull on a line, vs going forward, pulling a pin up, unscrewing etc to get the carr to move forward. And they have bearings vs friction to ease the moving process.

Marty

Although you have been given some good advise on finding out why you current system is not working that all seems pretty obvious. Lie down on deck, preferably at the dock, and look.

Marty's suggestion is also very good. Garhauer makes a great system and it is relatively inexpensive and a great sailing too. You do have to find out what is stopping the car first though.

 

[cthoops]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Mr. Cthoops took some Sailkote, a hammer, and a punch to the track. Some careful tapping and cleaning, and voila. The car moves all of the way forward.

We were very pleased to find that our theory on the incessant flapping of the jib held true. Once we were able to move the car forward enough, the flapping stopped and we could actually finally use the jib.

Thanks again.

 

[BarryL]

Ah, the sweet feeling of success!
Congrats on a job well done.

Barry