Sail slugs

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Figment
Damned Because It's All Connected
Posts: 2846
Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2003 9:32 am
Boat Name: Triton
Boat Type: Grand Banks 42
Location: L.I. Sound

Sail slugs

Post by Figment »

The slugs for my mainsail are this nylon and steel kind, I'm guessing 5/16" diameter...

Image

After a recent "episode" in which the topmost slug fell to pieces, I replaced it with what I had in my box.... the all-plastic type, and much smaller, probably 3/8".

Image

I'm thinking that the lateral loads on the topmost slug are pretty minimal and that the smaller slug will serve just fine, but I'm half-expecting to hear declarations to the contrary.

I imagine that the remainder of the slugs are not long for this world either, so I'm wondering if I should bother with the expense of these nylon/steel jobbies, or if the plastic sort will do for replacement.

Aside from cost, I have an additional complaint regarding the steel, as the steel sometimes binds against the aluminum groove in the mast.

Fishing for opinions..... anyone biting?
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Tim
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Post by Tim »

You must have a different sort of track, as your slides are nothing like mine. From the photos, it appears you have an internal track or slot?
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Figment
Damned Because It's All Connected
Posts: 2846
Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2003 9:32 am
Boat Name: Triton
Boat Type: Grand Banks 42
Location: L.I. Sound

Post by Figment »

Yep, internal slot. No track at all.

My mast is not the original Triton section. Replaced by previous owner, 6-10 years ago.
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