Submitted on December 5, 2003 by Ted Algren

Question: Hello Dan, I have a freedom 33 cat ketch with wishbones. The sails have been replaced with high roached full batten sails and at this time they replaced the track with a metal and metal slides that at times almost refuses to work.
My question is can I replace the slides or must I replace both?

Ted Algren

Answer: Hi Ted, From your brief description of the track and slides, it sounds like you might have a 7/8" or 1" external track and slide system. That track has a cross section shape like a seagull with its wings spread. That track and slide system was designed to work with the slides in tension. Slides at the ends of full battens are in compression so the slides will definately bind up. You could try replacing the slides at the batten ends with a PNP slide made of molded nylon. The PNP parts are more slippery and will probably be an improvement over the metal slides. A better solution would be to install a Tides Marine track and slide system:

http://www.tidesmarine.com/sail-track.html

Regards,
Dan Neri

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