Mast Gate Solution?

[DaveB]

Been using them for years, easy to lose and reefing makes it much harder to release the bottom 2 slugs and put back. I go thru at least 2 a year at $12.50 a slug stop.
Mast Gate system is the way to go.
Dave

There is a simple, inexpensive way to keep the slugs from falling out. It goes in the track, just above the "slot". And if you need to get the sail out fast, it removes quickly.

[bscott]

Why do you need to remove the sail to reef it? My KH C2000 first reef cringle lays bout 4" above the boom goose neck on the M rotating mast when reefed. My second reef is slightly higher. I use a double line reefing system to trim the sail.

Never had, in 40 years of sailing various boats, ever having to quickly remove a sail.

Bob

[TomLuque]

BWY discovered that the first generation of MastGates built for the 26M had a glitch. Under certain conditions, a sail slug might kick open the External Gate if the sail was lowered under wind pressure with the boom swung to port.
The new generation gates have a 1/4" hole for installing a removable nylon rivet.

Anyone can send in their older 26M MastGates for a free repair or replacement.

When closing up a 26X mast's wedged opening, try using a dead-blow hammer and a foot length of 1"x2" hard wood.
It takes about 15 minutes. It's Amazing how much the Aluminum mast can be Re-formed and not crack. I have tried this on a M26X, Potter 14, Potter18, McGregor 15.

By the way, "Snap Gate & Clasp Gate" are the old names for what is know now as "MastGates".

Thank you for letting me answer you questions and concerns.
I'm easy to find if there are more questions.

[Sea Wind]

DaveB,
I closed the original slots with a piece of wood and a hammer. Then, I opened the new slot on the starboard side. In my second picture you can see the gate about a foot above the top of the sail pack. The only trick is that the bottom slug has to be removable as the position is too high for that slug to reach.
As you mentioned reefing is much easier as I can access the hook with no slugs on the way.
If I go to the boat this weekend I will take better pictures.
Pedro

[DaveB]

Pedro,
Thanks for the info. Did you use the same cut out as vidio in WWW.MastGates.com ?

http://www.mastgates.com/Install.html#Install_Internal
I have a New Main from Judy that has double reefs. Material is 7 oz and little stiff, would this cause a problem reefing?
Dave

DaveB,
I closed the original slots with a piece of wood and a hammer. Then, I opened the new slot on the starboard side. In my second picture you can see the gate about a foot above the top of the sail pack. The only trick is that the bottom slug has to be removable as the position is too high for that slug to reach.
As you mentioned reefing is much easier as I can access the hook with no slugs on the way.
If I go to the boat this weekend I will take better pictures.
Pedro