 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.
Color: black (Order
the Strong Track here)
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.
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Internal
Flat |
Internal
Round |
External |
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.
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