Hi All. If you have installed the Tides Marine Strong Track system, I have a question for you. I used their measuring tool to measure the groove in the mast and came up with # 3 which fit SNUGGLY. I could move the tool up and down the groove, but it was definitely snug. The one size smaller had probably 1 mm of play. I would love to have that snug fit with no rattling, but I'm concerned that when I start feeding the track up the mast the cumulative friction will make it impossible to get all the way up. I'm curious how your installation went and whether you would go with the "snug" track size or the "kinda loose" track size. ANY suggestions welcome.
Thanks, Mike
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Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA
My sail loft installed the track system on my girl this March. So I can't tell you how they exactly did the install. But I can tell you the track is snug in the mast channel. The track system has proven to be a good investment. I have to hold the main halyard to control the descent into the stack pack to allow good folding of the sail.
It seems to me without reading or seeing it done. Warming the track(soften) and using soap and water will allow it to be pulled down the mast. But again, I wasn't there.
Rob Kibler
s/v "Meander"
2003 C36 MKII #2124
I called Tides Marine to get a price and it was about double what my local sail guy,Doyle sails gave me so I had him install it . great job
Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1
If you do install it I was there to help and he had his son with him . You pull the track up from the bottom and it helps to have 3 people
Bill Miller
S/V Lorraine
Pacific Northwest,Sound Sound
Grapeview,Wa
1990 Mk1
I have sold numerous tracks as the rep for Mack rigging. Go tight and buy a can or two of mcLube, spray generously and often to get in. I can tell you I beat all the prices I have seen in Great Lakes if you are a DIYer, if you want to pay someone find a loft locally to do it. Tides quotes retail so as not to undercut there dealers.
Chic Lasser
Past Commodore
Great Lakes Rep for Mack Sails and Rigging
PS: I sell all over the USA and Canada!!!