The STRONG® Sail Track and Slide System is a high-performance, low friction mainsail track and slide system built to handle the increased loads and demands of today's full batten mainsails. When installed, the mainsail will rise easily and drop the instant the halyard is released.

Product Overview

The System consists of the ultra low friction, durable STRONG® Track and an "owner-defined" selection of matched slides and batten receptacles designed for smooth, long lasting operation. The System is priced on a per-foot basis and shipped via UPS, ready to install. The STRONG® Track System offers minimal stack height, less weight aloft and low friction performance rivaling systems costing more than twice as much.

Sail Track Description

STRONG® Track is machined to size from UHMW-PE. This material has a very low coefficient of friction and is impact, abrasion and wear resistant. The UHMW-PE is not affected by saltwater and is UV stable. It is available in seemless lengths to 65 feet and can be installed without going aloft or without drilling holes in the mast.

Each track shape is matched to each vessel's mast. The system will work with flat or round internal; grooves as well as external track

External Track - Flat	Internal Track - Flat	Internal Round - Round

Slides and Fittings Description

STRONG® Slides are finished to a smooth, low-friction surface, eliminating any sharp edges which can cause conventional slides to bind. They are available in three standard sizes…headboard slide (3”), reef or batten slide (2”) and intermediate slide (approx. 1”).

STRONG® Batten Receptacles are available in two sizes and accept round and flat battens. They attach to a universal joint and 10mm stud. The 10mm stud threads into the Batten Receptacle and the universal joint connects to the 2” slide with a clevis pin and ring. This “fitting” rotates freely when the mainsail is raised and lowered. The universal joint and stud are also designed to fit receptacles made by competitive manufacturers. This allows the vessel owner to use existing receptacles if preferred.

Installation Overview

The top of the mast gate should be at least 10” above the gooseneck and be three inches long. This is necessary as the Tides Marine track needs sufficient room to bend/curve into the mast gate while clearing the gooseneck hardware / boom.

If your installation is hampered because the mast gate is too close to the gooseneck (or too short), you may have to extend the mast gate one to three inches up the mast using a small grinder / Dremel tool. When you are finished enlarging the mast gate, make certain to file the freshly cut edges smooth using a small rasp or file.

In most cases, the Tides track should slide smoothly into the mast gate and up the mast. If you think a lubricant is needed, use only water or water combined with a very small amount of liquid detergent. Other lubricants such as WD-40 can leave a residue on the track/mast which can collect dirt, dust and debris.

Contact Us to order your Strong Track System or to learn how to retrofit your existing main.

Text and images courtesy of Tides Marine.