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Old 08-08-2016, 23:29   #1
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Mainsail Slides

Hi Guys

I am ordering a new mainsail and need to know how many, or how far apart to space the luff slides. The luff is 14.3 meters (47ft), sail area is 30 m2 (323 ft2) and a high aspect sail.

Internet searching seems to indicate a spacing of 600mm (2ft) to 750mm (2ft 6"). My current sail has spacing around 1 meter (3ft 3").

I am leaning towards a spacing of 900mm (just under 3ft), giving me 20 slides.

I have asked the sailmaker but they are a bit slow getting back to me, so I thought I would tap into the "fountain of knowledge" here.
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Old 09-08-2016, 20:13   #2
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Re: Mainsail Slides

Here's the thing, the slides actually don't have a lot of preassure on them. So structurally you don't need that many, say one every 3-4'. But, and it's a big but, the more slides the easier they travel up and down the slot. Because of this ball bearing system like the Harken Bat Car only need a point every 4'. While an old style slug needs far more say every 2'. A newer style plastic slide probably every 3'.

Of course it also depends on the length of the slides, material, mast material, etc... The more the better except at the paying for it stage.
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Old 10-08-2016, 17:30   #3
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Re: Mainsail Slides

Do yourself a favor and specify that the the two slides adjacent to each of your reefs are to be bronze and the two or three at the headboard are also bronze. You'll appreciate it in an offshore gale.
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Old 10-08-2016, 18:01   #4
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Re: Mainsail Slides

Quote:
Originally Posted by Orion Jim View Post
Do yourself a favor and specify that the the two slides adjacent to each of your reefs are to be bronze and the two or three at the headboard are also bronze. You'll appreciate it in an offshore gale.
An absolute must.
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Old 10-08-2016, 18:13   #5
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Re: Mainsail Slides

Thirty inches is the norm. Any more than that you risk having the luff rattle at the upper part of the mast.
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Old 10-08-2016, 18:39   #6
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Re: Mainsail Slides

Hi all

My sailmaker has replied to my enquiry….
we are going with flat plastic slides @ 715 mm (28.15") spacings giving a total of 20 slides. This works well with the reefs & battens.

Thank you all for your replies.
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