Hello Breezy Companions,
Where can the track for a mast be purchased? I recently purchased a boat for a bargain price; a bargain mainly because it had sunk. When it was raised from the depths it was craned out by the mast which ruined the mast track distorting it and even breaking it in places.
The next question is regarding the current track system which has a bolt rope so, compatability with the current main sail aside, should i just replace it like for like or should i use something different and possibly more modern? Ultimately i intend on getting the sewing machine out to add reef point to the sail but i've no practical concept of reefing systems (just youtube) as i'm a novice in anything that is not a mirror dinghy.
There is also another point about the chain plates interaction with the bulkhead as i think the lifting process broke that connection too but i think i'll save that and the other million questions on what all the things on the yacht are for subsequent subjects.
The yacht is a Supersonic 27.
Can you get photos?
I'm guessing the bolt rope track that is damaged is part of the mast, not fixed on?
As I said, photos and I will definately be able to point you in the right direction.
Not sure where abouts your situated but the "Afloat" magazine has an ad for sail track conversions to plastic. Either bolt rope or slides. With a Supersonic 27, great boat by the way, I would convert to slides. For reefing and singlehanded sailing you really need slides.
There's not really much more "modern" than luff rope for a little main like the S27's IMHO, but as Ramona says they may be less convenient than slides.
A domestic sewing machine may be unable to put reef points through an S27 main, and you may also have to go to the expense of getting the grommet kit. There is a cheap sail sewing machine around that my wife loves.
Ok so the track is fixed to the mast pole via pop rivets every foot all the way to the top. From the look of it there were a few places along the track that gave the impression that the track was soon to be replaced any way.
I had seen the tides marine thing but i thought it was just something that you add to an already existing track. I have emailed them to find out more.
With regards to the sewing machine it is a sweet ripoff of a singer (Princess brand if your wondering however i believe they where shipped with a few 'badges' so the retailer could select which brand they prefer). It has already made some dinghy sails, sewn webbing in various situation and made me some shorts when i was a poor uni student so i think it's up to the task. However you are completely correct in that i need to find another friend who has a gromit kit as i have no connections in nsw.
I can get photos on Saturday when i go and play boats. if anyone can tell me more about the S27 as you refer to it, i would love to hear as all i know right now is that Scott designed it and Scrinver industries have since gone broke.
The Supersonic was built to rate as a Quarter tonner though it was not overly successful. Should be listed on this site but I could not find it, my old boat is though.
www.histoiredeshalfs.com/Quarter%20Tonner/Sommaire%20quarter.htm
There is a flush deck version down in Batemans Bay that was owned by a local shipwright. He was up here for a couple of days holed up because of the weather. He was selling the boat but raved about it.
On my quarter tonner I added reef points to the main like in the photos only my main was dacron. SS rings are available everywhere. The main in the photo is off a Holland 25, another well known quarter tonner.
Ok so given the photos below you can see that it is fixed with rivets, has been colapsed, bent and torn in places. The tides system is very nice but might be better as a long term investment given the price was as i imagined. I guess what i am hoping for is to find out where this aluminium extrusion is made.
if you can find a small piece you maybe able to just replace the damaged section just make sure your alignment is spot on with the original track
Question
Does the sail go right to the top of the mast can you use some of the top section or where its feed on to the mast track belowto replace the damaged track?
