Mast track for a Westsail 32

[fireman182]

Hello!

I have a Westsail 32 with an old external mast track.

Its been an issue a few times because here in the cold climate we remove our masts every winter. The track got bent halfway up one year.

I took the bend out and it works flawlessly now.

Anyone know of a method to change the old track to an internal slide?

I need to replace my main sail and it seems the internal slide is the most common system now..

[roverhi]

https://www.tidesmarine.com/sailtrac...t_overview.php Here's one possibility but there are a lot of others out there.

[maine50]

Try Mack Sails in Florida- they are a big dealer of the Tides system (also sailmakers and rigging)

[DougR]

As mentioned, Tides Marine makes a track that slides over your existing external metal track. It comes in a large, one piece coil and is fed/slid up from the bottom of the existing track, and then secured at the bottom.

I installed it on my mast, about 45' long, and it made a world of difference raising and lowering the full batten main sail.

I purchased it directly from Tides.

DougR

[fireman182]

Great thanks for the help everyone!! I'll check out these options

[Bill O]

We have found the old external tracks work well and it would be a shame/possibly a needless expense to replace them.
What it sounds like is the mast sling is bending them. Never seen one before, but is there anyway to make a protective cap and slide it in place where the sling hits the track? Possibly the shape of the car (but longer) and take up the majority of the side space between the track and mast to prevent it from bending.
Just an idea.
We had a new sail built and had the external slides put on it. Again the main will come down as fast as you want, so why change something that is working well?


Bill O.

[jhulmer]

Originally Posted by roverhi

https://www.tidesmarine.com/sailtrac...t_overview.php Here's one possibility but there are a lot of others out there.

I have the same type track and this is what I did and I love it. They make one that will slide right up on your existing track. Easy Peasy

[fireman182]

Originally Posted by Bill O

We have found the old external tracks work well and it would be a shame/possibly a needless expense to replace them.
What it sounds like is the mast sling is bending them. Never seen one before, but is there anyway to make a protective cap and slide it in place where the sling hits the track? Possibly the shape of the car (but longer) and take up the majority of the side space between the track and mast to prevent it from bending.
Just an idea.
We had a new sail built and had the external slides put on it. Again the main will come down as fast as you want, so why change something that is working well?


Bill O.

I think I've come to that conclusion. $30 a foot to put the external conversion track on.

Protecting the track is the best option.

Thanks for your advice!!

[maine50]

Strongly suggest you talk to Mack Sails in Florida. They heavily discount the tides track if bought with a mainsail- No way near $30/ft. No vested interest just a very satisfied customer. It will give you a super working system.

[marcmmmm]

Don't do anything without talking to Bud. He will have the right answer

[marcmmmm]

Talk to Bud first