Can I use slugs instead of bolt rope?

[RickD]

I've got a 1979 Macgregor Venture 25 which has, what I think might be the original sails. They are ancient - and while they work "ok" for now (I've kept them on the boat the three seasons I've owned it) and I'm finally considering replacing the sails this season.

I found some places that sell the sails for this boat, however, they are all listed with "slugs". Mine has a bolt rope.

So my question is, I'm wondering if I can use the mast with slugs as opposed to the boltrope? The mast is definitely the original mast for the boat. This would sure as heck make it easier to raise and lower it. I generally CAN NOT go sailing alone even if I wanted to due to the difficulty of feeding the bolt rope into the slot and so forth on raising the sail. It ALWAYS gets jammed into the grove so it takes two to raise the main, or puts me in a precarious position at times trying to drop the main on the small lakes with the go-fast boats trying to rock me off the deck and into the drink.

Thanks!

[hoaglandr]

Many here have added slugs to their main sail. I'm planning on adding them when the weather breaks and I can get outside to lay out the sail .

Russell

[Trouts Dream]

Slugs are the way to go most definately.
Maybe the supplier could send you one slog and you could test fit it to the mast.

[RickD]

I think perhaps I asked the question wrong.

I'm more concerned with the actual mast slot being used for slugs.

The two sites I looked over with decent prices on new sails said they came with slugs and the sails were specifically for the Mac venture.

So I guess I'm worried about buying sails and finding out all the slugs are the wrong size, shape or whatever.

Does that make sense?

[heinzir]

Don't worry, the slugs will fit fine.

[RickD]

Thanks, I guess that's what I needed to know

I'll give the company a call and ask them as someone suggested above, to send me one to test it - and then I'll look at buying the sails

[RickD]

Update.

Two places wrote me back and told me the slugs will fit all the old ventures and indeed they've never had anyone say anything different.

Still not sure I'm going to replace the sails yet. I need to but, we're likely only to keep the boat one more season and replacing them is a cost for this boat, I'd rather save for the next one. On the other hand, someone would get a nice boat with new sails.

Decisions, decisions.....

[hart]

Just a thought: sail condition is one of the big things I look at when shopping for older boats. It adds a lot of "value" to me as a buyer if I don't have to replace old blown out ones right away- ymmv.

With the availability of so many low cost sails for the Venture I'd think about getting them and enjoying them this year with the knowledge they will be a selling point when it comes time to list your boat.

[RickD]

I think it is not so much a problem with me, as it is with the Admiral.

We've saved and worked long and hard to "get away" next year. The 1100 bucks for new sails to her seems to be a "give in" proposition for me.

Basically, it comes down to "do we keep sailing the trailer sailer" or do we sell her and move up to a bigger, better boat and a bigger "better lake" (Caribbean Sea).

Me? I kinda wanna do both. So, I'm at the point of debating with myself right now on getting new sails.

But, thanks for giving me a slightly different point of view. It's appreciated.

[Hamin' X]

Slugs are definitely the way to go. Makes hoisting and reefing single handed much more doable. Be sure and order the proper "sail-stop" for your mast. The vendor will know the correct one. With out it, you will have a mess when reefing.



~Rich

[RickD]

Slugs are definitely the way to go. Makes hoisting and reefing single handed much more doable. Be sure and order the proper "sail-stop" for your mast. The vendor will know the correct one. With out it, you will have a mess when reefing.



~Rich

Yeah, familiar with them. I've sailed much larger boats before so I'm well aware of the difference in the slugs and boltrope, as well as what happens when you reef. haha

[Catigale]

Or tie a sailtie around the mast for a cheaper fix that actually floats...

[arknoah]

Or tie a sailtie around the mast for a cheaper fix that actually floats...

I thought about using a bungee tied around the mast, and may still use that as a back up, but I think the stop is a better way to go -- if more expensive.

[sailor38]

I'm changing from bolt rope to slugs on our new to us 26D. Have used them on bigger boats for years. Only way to go! Simple way to stop slugs from falling out is to drill and tap a 1/4-20 hole in the side of the slug track and install a wingnut/bolt into the hole. Tighten after installing sail and loosen or remove to take sail off. Recommended by Doyle Sailmakers to me and makes lots of sense.