Slug conversion, closing the gate

[bscriver]

I have converted my Main to slugs and would like to close the gate a bit. I was thinking of using a small bench vise, just unbolt it from the bench and tighten it on the flared portion of the mast. Comments, suggestions?

[seahouse]

Great idea to use the vice. Might be a bit too permanent for the mast, though?

I haven't done that; my mast had a cut-out instead, so a screw-removable piece of aluminum did the job.

I actually have a vice bolted to a short piece of 2 X 6 (for portability, versatility, and as a "handle") that gets used as you suggest wherever I need to use it, or C-clamped to wherever I need it at the time. It can also function a a small portable press handy when working on (in) the boat sometimes.

For those who have rudder brackets that are bent outward, this could be used straighten them (with a properly sized and placed piece placed between the brackets).

-B.

[RobertB]

Call BWY and order a mast gate. Attaches with two sheet metal screws. Search the forum for other solutions - less permanent than crushing the channel on your mast. BTW, what would you do when you break a sail slug? Also, sails are easier to remove with the slugs attached.

[Steve K]

A large rubber mallet is what I found to work best.

It helps to have a couple pieces of hardwood, that will fit into the slot on either side of where you are hammering. This way you don't close up the slot where you don't want to. If you happen to get a place closed up too much, use something wider than a screwdriver to pry it back apart a little (I used an old wood chisel with a little Duct tape wrapped around it).

The mast is pretty soft and with the rubber mallet, you don't scratch it up. I closed up most of mine starting at the bottom, so I could run my sliding goose neck a little higher. Now I can raise the sail another four to six inches, which is just enough to keep the boom from rubbing on the Bimini. The opening I have left is just long enough the slip in the slugs easily.

Best Breezes,
Steve K.

[dxg4848]

I have converted my Main to slugs and would like to close the gate a bit. I was thinking of using a small bench vise, just unbolt it from the bench and tighten it on the flared portion of the mast. Comments, suggestions?

Why bother with vise? Just smash it with a hammer!

[tlgibson97]

Call BWY and order a mast gate. Attaches with two sheet metal screws. Search the forum for other solutions - less permanent than crushing the channel on your mast. BTW, what would you do when you break a sail slug? Also, sails are easier to remove with the slugs attached.

I have this gate but I tapped the holes to use thumbscrews so I wouldn't need to use a screwdriver. Though I have my whole set-up process needing no tools except for a small screwdriver I use to attach the windvane. One of these days I'll convert that to a thumbscrew too.

[seahouse]

If you're going to use a hammer, it will do a neater job if you place a (flat, or shaped) piece of wood on the mast and hit the piece of wood. It will leave fewer "anger marks" in the aluminum.

[Loala]

Hi Steve!

What does a sliding goose neck look like and where do you get one?

Is this a home fab item?

Does the main still fit after sliding the gooseneck up or is it a bit stuffed? Still able to flatten the main out without adjusting the boom?

[Steve K]

Hi Steve!

What does a sliding goose neck look like and where do you get one?

Is this a home fab item?

Does the main still fit after sliding the gooseneck up or is it a bit stuffed? Still able to flatten the main out without adjusting the boom?

Made it.

Well, rather had the Machinist make it where I used to work. It was a copy of one that a friend of mine got from a guy who used to make them. This was some time ago and have lost contact info.

However, several types can be found.
I suspect this would be the best place
http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/SparParts/ ... e%20Groove

You would want the first one (K-9138-SA) along with (K-9267), I'm pretty sure. Best to give them a call. This one is not pictured, but I suspect it looks a lot like the others pictured. You can see by the pictures, that it would be fairly easy to make one using a piece of 1/2 inch stainless steel rod, a couple flat pieces and a stainless ring and get it welded together.
Mine was end milled from a solid block of hi grade Aluminum . I'll get a picture, when I can.

The trip was a bust, by the way. I'll E-mail details.

Best Breezes,
Steve K.

[Loala]

Thanks Steve that looks good!

Sorry about the trip. I heard there was a lot of wind!