Running lines to Cockpit and other ideas to make sailing easier

[Sheppie62]

Regarding my conversion from bolt rope to slugs/ sliders, I like idea of having mast opening higher up ( like BOAT’s boat). I’m thinking of hammering closed (with a 2 x 4 between for protection) the original sail track opening near the boom (like Mastgate.com says). Then cut an opening higher, enough that when loading sail it will be possible to load the bottom slider first, then install the entire sail without having to raise it. Then close mastgate and pull up sail when ready to sail. Removing sail could also be done while it’s in the down position starting with top slider. Any suggestions are welcome.

[NiceAft]

Not my forte'.

BOAT may be one of the better persons for suggestions.

[BOAT]

Maybe this is an idea:

FIRST - Close up the lower gate with one of these things:



SECOND - Up higher where you want the new gate grind out ONLY ONE SIDE of the mast slot like this:





THIRD - Close up the new mast slot with one of these things:


FOURTH & FINAL - You should end up with another mast gate that looks like this:

[Sheppie62]

Boat, is your 26m mast like C-2 or C-3? I may need both sides cut to get clearance and not cut into mast to much. I think I better call Mastgate.com before I do anything drastic.

[BOAT]

I dunno I think it's this one:



Can anyone help?

[Sheppie62]

Oop’s I actually opened up sail cover and looked into mast slot. It looks to be B-3 on the chart, the back wall on the slot is straight across so the one sided mast gate from BWY would work. Sorry for my confusion.

[NiceAft]

Sheppie,

If your mast is lowered; can you remove the cap and see straight on what the channel looks like? Then make a comparison.

I'd say ask BWY, but I don't think it's ethical to ask and purchase somewhere else

[Sheppie62]

So I have located a sail shop that will install/ sew on the straps and slugs for $175. I will buy the mastgate from BWY (like BOAT suggested) and make sure it will work correctly with my mast before cutting the slot opening. And closing original lower slot opening of course. This is going to be SO MUCH!! Better . Thanks everyone for the help! I will run lines to cockpit later, one step at a time.

[Highlander]

I made my own mast gate





J

[Highlander]

I forgot to post an end view of the mast gate, I conformed it to the shape of the mast notice it has a slight curve to it



J

[Sheppie62]

Thanks Highlander, I have several pieces of aluminum to chose from to make the gate. I ended up buying a new sail instead of adding the slugs to the original sail

[Highlander]

Sorry but I think u might have the wrong sail, so why not send it up to me for further inspection,

Just saying that's all
J

[Stickinthemud57]

Thanks Highlander, I have several pieces of aluminum to chose from to make the gate. I ended up buying a new sail instead of adding the slugs to the original sail

I have found that buying a new sail is pretty much the solution to any problem I might be having with my boat!

[Sheppie62]

Closed old mast slot and made a new one up higher. Next step is to make a mast gate, drill holes for bolts and install some stainless rivnuts in the mast. Think that may do it. Will I need any other modifications to make sail work? How does a loose foot vary from a bolt rope on the boom? Sail has a Cunningham (to pull sail tighter/ looser?). I’m not sure how that works, as sail bottom hook may come undone when tightening the Cunningham.

[Highlander]

I just tapped two i think 10x24 or 10x32 thread's into the mast
J