Mainsail Track Systems and Slides
Fisheries Supply provides mainsail handling systems designed for both recreational sailors and professional riggers. Our inventory features hardware for smoother reefing, hoisting, dousing, and general sail control.
At a Glance
- Upgrade to low-friction track systems for effortless sail handling.
- Select from Nylon, Metal, or Aluminum hardware based on your spar material and size.
- Enhance safety and organization with sail flaking systems like Lazy Jacks.
Advanced Mainsail Track Systems
Modern mainsail track systems can be a good alternative to traditional bolt ropes to provide superior control. By utilizing trysail track slides and specialized mainsail track slides, sailors can achieve quicker reefing and reduced physical strain during sail adjustments.
Essential Hardware Components
- Mast Cars and Track Cars: Engineered for fluid vertical movement under load.
- Batten Car Systems: Specifically designed to manage the high compression of full-batten mainsails.
- Track Stops: Secure hardware used to prevent the sail from exiting the track prematurely.
Mainsail Slides and Slugs
Choosing the right mainsail slides or sail slugs is critical for minimizing friction within the mast groove.
- Nylon Slides: A lightweight, cost-effective solution; however, these are not recommended for high-latitude sailing where extreme cold may make them brittle.
- Metal Slides: Built for heavy-duty applications and high-tension environments.
- Aluminum Sliders: Precision hardware optimized for Antal Marine and batcar configurations.
Sail Management and Stacking
To maintain a clean deck and organized cockpit, consider integrating secondary handling systems. Lazy Jacks, Dutchman systems, Stack Pack, and Quick Covers are effective tools that help keep the sail stacked neatly on the boom during take-down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of mainsail handling systems?
The most common systems are external luff cars/tracks, internal mast grooves with slides or slugs, and bolt rope systems; each offers different levels of ease and control.
What are the pros and cons of in-mast vs. in-boom furling?
In-mast furling is simple and convenient but limits sail shape and performance. In-boom furling allows you to use battens and get a better sail shape and performance but is more mechanically complex and costly.
Can I retrofit a mainsail handling system to my existing mast?
Most systems can be retrofitted using tracks, cars, or slugs compatible with your mast, but check with the manufacturer or a sailmaker for compatibility.