Luff Slide System for Big Boat ?

[patrisage]

Looking for advice on a luff slide system for a big boat.

We're moving up from a 43' Roberts to a 68' aluminum sloop. I installed the Tides marine system on the Roberts when we got a new fully-battened main a few years ago and it has been fantastic.

Unfortunately, I think the loads involved with a 1000 sqft mainsail are beyond what the Tides system can handle, so we're shopping for a burlier system.

Wondering about any experience or thoughts out there that would be useful in comparing Harken, Antal or other systems. Present thought is ball-bearing cars for headboard and battens, sliders elsewhere.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[s/v Jedi]

Antal is just wonderful while reasonably priced

ciao!
Nick.

[osirissail]

I use the Antal system with a full batten mainsail. Alignment of the track pieces is critical to avoid "ledges" where the length of track meets the next length. Be sure to get extra cars and a good supply of the PFTE car inserts. Also extra screws for the batten boxes that are attached to the sail.
- - After 10+ years the systems still works but each car must be washed and lubed twice a season. I need to replace all the inserts but have not gotten around to getting them. Seems the sun and salt air makes the inserts lose their "slip."