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 Sail Slug Failure		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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ppetracca
Navigator

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USA
163 Posts
Initially Posted - 10/28/2003 :  08:16:52  Show Profile
For the second time racing in heavy air (27), my sail slugs failed on a jibe. Last time it was the ones at the battens (I have a brand new full-batten Ullman). I replaced them with the stainless steel bailed slugs, but of course, only replaced the broken ones. This past weekend the remaining plastic slugs failed on a jibe. The steel ones did hold. I ordered all new steel slugs and will replace them.

I spoke with a my match racing buddy and he said his did the same thing when his main was new. Has anybody else had a similar problem with their boat? The only cause I can think of is perhaps the outhaul is too tight. It only happens on a jibe and only in high winds.

Sure is frustrating when you are in front on the last leg of a race.
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts
Response Posted - 10/28/2003 :  09:16:58  Show Profile
New plastic sail slides shouldn't break so easily. When you jibe, are you pulling in the mainsheet and then letting it back out after the wind has crossed the stern? If you control the jibe more closely, it might reduce the stress on the slides, although an uncontrolled jibe really shouldn't break them. I have had hard jibes from time-to-time, and the only time my plastic slides broke was after they were many years old and just plain worn out. Changing over to the stainless steel slides should cure the problem.
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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts
Response Posted - 10/28/2003 :  10:07:15  Show Profile
IMHO follows...

When racing in heavy air you're really starting to 'test the limits' of the boat and rigging. Kinda what racing is about... it keeps West Marine in business (grins).

I think that you've simply discovered that all-plastic slugs will fail under those conditions. (at least the way you are currently handling the boat).

You can either "back off" on your sailing technique or upgrade equipment.

BTW... If the 'shackle' components of your slug system are also plastic, I'd replace them with stainless too.
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Ed Montague
Captain

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USA
499 Posts
Response Posted - 10/28/2003 :  11:22:05  Show Profile
I broke two of those plastic slugs on an accidental jib while sailing around Catalina Island this past summer. They break fairly easily. When I replaced them with the stainless type I had thoughts of staying with the plastic. I would rather have the slug break then have the sail tear. Just a thought.
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ppetracca
Navigator

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USA
163 Posts
Response Posted - 10/28/2003 :  16:44:49  Show Profile
Ed,

You make an excellent point...slugs are certainly cheaper than sail repairs. I did put all stainles steel shackles on the sail when I cut off the nylon-straps that had the original slugs sewn into them preventing me from being able to easily replace them on the water.

I routinely sail in high winds in New Mexico. Water we lack, but the wind is always blowing. (Some say the reason it is so windy in NM is because Texas sucks!...j/k) I might want to consider continuing to use plastic for that reason. I never reef and rarely miss an opportunity to race on the edge. Certainly they are cheap enough to replace often.

I think I will spend some time in the slip pulling the boom from one extreme to the other and see if I can figure out where they are pinching.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.