26M mastgate

[dougba]

I ordered a mastgate for my 2003 26M from Shapeways. I thought it was a production item as it was listed on its website. I recieved the following email back from them.
The model "M26M 6.7" (2003 to 2007) TD 19.8mm" you ordered was put on hold by production because of design issues. We have contacted the designer so they can decide on what action to take for this model.
If the designer is unable to update this model within 7 calendar days, this model will be removed from your order and you will be issued a refund.
Has anyone used this company before or is there another manufacture of mastgates for a 26M. I want to install a single line reefing system and am not comfortable with hammering the mast opening. The designer is Tom Luque from mastgates.com.

[Bobglas]

Are you talking about the gap on the mast allowing slides in and out? If so I bought the cover (gate?) from BWY. Attaches w/ 2 screws and you undo one loosen the other and swing the gate aside to load and unload the sail slides. works like a charm.

[dougba]

Yes, That is what I am looking for but BWY mastgate is for 2008 and newer 26M according to their website. My boat is a 2003 26M. I think they must have changed the slot in the mast. I have a very early 26M I think it was the 12 one that Macgregor made.

[NiceAft]

I am confused as to why you need a mast gate.

You posted

am not comfortable with hammering the mast opening.

This led me to believe that you are trying to narrow the tract so the slugs will pass without coming out. If the slugs can’t come out, how do you eventually remove the sail.

Would not a sail tract stop work just as well?

[jimmy alonso]

This is a 2004 mast. I had seen on a video a while back think from mast gate dot com where he hammered the slot flush with the rest of the mast and then cut a slot on one side for the slug to fit in and installed a gate there so the slugs won't fall out.
You can see I just use a pin to keep the slugs from coming out. When reefing the sail I remove some of the bottom slugs up to where I can hook the sail to the boom.

Was lucky enough to get a spare mast, see the difference of the gate. Seems harder to use a bolt rope sail but have not tried that I was able to use a sail feeder with my old main sail and that worked great.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

I've used a sail track stop. I think drilling a hole above the gate, and putting a pin or a piece of wire thru it is the best way. It's hard to lose a hole.

[NiceAft]

It's hard to lose a hole.

But not a pin. I would keep spare pins on hand.

A pin can be lost also, but is less costly than a sail tract stop to replace.

I have lost a couple of sail tract stops, and always had a spare. It’s been quite a few years since I lost the last one. If I ever loose another, after I screw in its replacement, I will investigate about a pin.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

or a piece of wire, or a cotter pin, or a # 8, # 9, or # 10 machine screw, or a piece of fishing line, or a wire tie, or . . .

[NiceAft]

Anything that is removable, is losable. Keep spares; a sailor’s mantra.

[dougba]

I use a sail track stop now but have to go forward to take out a couple of slugs to reef. I was going to install a BWY single line reefing kit so that I could reef from the cockpit. The other option would be to leave a couple of slugs out of the track. The mast gates on the youtube videos allow for the slugs to drop down to the boom and are removable to allow for the sail to be taken off the mast. That is what I was looking for.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

Anything that is removable is losable. Keep spares.
If you remove your boat from your trailer, keep spare boats.
A boat dealers mantra.

[NiceAft]

According to the original poster, if your is a 2008 or newer, the BWY item should work for you.

I have a 2005, so it’s no good.

[1st Sail]

My '06M mast is like Jimmy's. which is which is the flared opening. I never did get the mast gate to work particularly well as the insert is undersized. I think the idea of hammering is shut and then adding a side slot which can be covered is the best solution.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

or a twist tie, or dental floss, or a paper clip, or . . .

[adudinsk]

In the photo above with the 2004 mast, I noticed, that there are 4 pop rivets showing.
Mine is a 2007, with only 2 on each side.
Was this a modification to the mast... or what was in 2004?


Thanks
AD