Jim,
since you are the 'thrifty' kind, perhaps there is another option to consider.
The Tide marine tracks are made of UHMW-PE which seems to mean ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene.
So the track is made of a slick 'plastic' material, and the slides of (I
believe) polished metal. I suggest it should work the other way around, UHMW-PE
slides in a metal track.
You have a metal track in your mast. Your problem is that the slides of your
mainsail won't move easily enough in your track.
Since UHMW-PE is readily available, it might be worthwhile attempting to
replace your present slides with slides made of UHMW-PE. Any shop working with
'plastic' would be able to make them for you at a fraction of the price of the
Tide system.
Batten slides have a long mating surface in the tracks. I believe this keeps
the slide from 'kinking' ie: keeps it's surface parallel to the track, and it
distributes the load over a larger surface.
I would make the slides so they had twice the mating surface they do now, for
the reason stated above.
I would run a cleaning rag with 'Varsol' or other paint thinner up and down in
your track. You could do that by unhooking the top two slides from your sail.
Attach a cord to the top one as a 'downhaul', attach your halyard to the bottom
one for the 'uphaul'. The rag will stay wedged between the two.
Do that a couple of dozen times, change the rag often, also use a rag with
water and detergent, a couple of hours of easy work and your present track
should be completely clean.
If the cloth comes back with holes or abrasion, then the track has been damaged
and Eric's sandpaper (emery cloth) operation goes into effect.
Most sprays (oil, silicon etc) will ultimately dry out and collect dirt, that's
why Tide recommends clear water. HOWEVER there is a product called Sailkote
which is used by really knowledgeable competitive sailors and seems to be
recommended by Harken.
I have never used Sailkote because my sail comes down easily if I 'wiggle' the
boat back and forth into the wind (and remember to tighten the topping lift
sufficiently) (smile)
Peter
> I'm looking at the Tide Marine version. I wonder if anyone would care > to
> comment on my choice, pro or con.
> Jim> S/V Wind Angel, St. Simons Isle. Georgia.
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