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Jib Sheet Track Locations

  • May 20, 2012 2:06 PM
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    Message # 925874
    Deleted user
    Hello,
    My 1974 W32 has the track located on the side decks.
    I see many have it on the cap rail.
    Is the cap rail a better location?
    Thanks,
    Carl
  • May 20, 2012 2:16 PM
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    Reply # 925876 on 925874
    Anonymous member
    Yes, it is a much better location.  There is a description and picture of the installation in my Westsail Service Manual, Page C-4
  • May 20, 2012 2:45 PM
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    Reply # 925884 on 925874
    Deleted user
    Thank you Bud,
    I have your service manual.
    Cheers,
    Carl
  • May 20, 2012 3:25 PM
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    Reply # 925897 on 925874
    Deleted user
    Would it be foolish to move my current track to the caprail?
    It is in great shape and of course is shaped to fit.

    I have no problem purchasing new if there are improved track materials or if it's necessary due to age of my 1974 current track.

    Thanks,
    Carl


  • May 23, 2012 5:15 PM
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    Reply # 928920 on 925874
    Anonymous member

    Carl,

    Should be no problem in moving the track to the caprail.  On some of the early boats the track was a flat strip of stainless, with a narrower plastic or other material piece under it.  Later on the extruded aluminum sailtrack became available, and is now used by most builders.  I have the extruded aluminum track available if you need it.
  • May 23, 2012 9:25 PM
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    Reply # 929047 on 925874
    Anonymous

    Jay Bietz can give you information on how to install the track on the cap rail so you can get them off by yourself when they leak. You basically drill and tap through the two flange pieces of the hull to deck joint. There are about two dozen bolts on each track, It will not go anywhere. 

    My track was bolted through and required a small child with a  wrench to get at the nuts. That was before fuel tanks and batteries, and everything else. No way I can reach the nuts on the underside.
  • May 26, 2012 8:53 AM
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    Reply # 931207 on 925874
    Anonymous member
    To remove the track, reach the nuts that you can.  For those you cannot, then drill out the heads of the bolts, and drive them through.  Seal up all the old holes, and if you are going to reinstall the track in the same location, shift the track fore or aft by an inch or two, and drill and tap.
  • May 27, 2012 8:03 AM
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    Reply # 931773 on 925874
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Carl:  Bud's answer above and this Westsail FAQ  should help.  Also I just drilled off all the heads on the STB side as the port side cured me from the unbolting exercise! 

    Jay

    Last modified: May 27, 2012 8:06 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)