Mast track (plastic)

[JimC]

Anyone know of UK suppliers other than Bainbridge? And preferably in longer lengths? I need to glue a track on a Moth spar. C-tech get their track in 3m lengths which would be perfect for me, but separate carriage is impossible, and the only mast they have going to the UK in the near future is for Yorkshire, so doesn't help much with getting a couple of bits to Surrey. Theoretically I think its caravan awning track, but all the UK suppliers seem only to do aluminium.

Jim C

[kerrgreg]

Im reliably informed that the plastic mast track on Madge was from Bank and was in a single 6m(or abit bigger) section.

[pratn0]

banks sails  not batt

[JimC]

Thanks, makes sense. Banks are a Bainbridge distributor.

[ade white]

Also Hartleys have C-teck plastic track for the Byte C11. You would have to join sections if using this... Soon there should be full lengths available - re the Contender.

My new mast from Selden has a carbon track, but that could probably be a special order and take time.

[JimC]

Thanks. I think I'm going to get some from C-tech bunged in with someone else's new mast!

[simon_jones]

Ade do they also do the sail feeders for the plastic track?

[andy_peters]

Ovington - 49er mast track (what we have on Usagi) or selden do a slightly heavier musto skiff/RS800 mast track.

[Barbarossa]

I am going to fit a new luff track to Loco's C-Tech mast.

I was thinking of using a 49er track or the Selden track and some RS masts - and bonding it on with an acrylic, either Plexus MA310 or Araldite 2021.

Sound like a good plan?

[kerrgreg]

Yes this is what lots of people have done.

Other option is structural adhesive such as: http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/#!/resin-gel-silicone-adhesive/structural-adhesives/vm100-black-methyl-methacrylate-adhesive.html however i have found on some uses when it lets go, the whole cured part comes off in a single piece leaving no residue. Not certain on its value in this use case.

[pratn0]

Yes this is what lots of people have done.

Other option is structural adhesive such as: http://www.easycomposites.co.uk/#!/resin-gel-silicone-adhesive/structural-adhesives/vm100-black-methyl-methacrylate-adhesive.html however i have found on some uses when it lets go, the whole cured part comes off in a single piece leaving no residue. Not certain on its value in this use case.

I've had this issue but it was mainly due to the area not being keyed up enough once that was redone it has been solid. (currently holds my spreaders and gooseneck on.

Nick

[Tim Noyce]

As Nick has said, as long as you follow a few simple rules then you should be fine as these modern adhesives are very good indeed. Firstly make sure the area is nice and smooth (by removing any loose laquer/paint/dirt), secondly you need to key it in well to give your adhesive something to bite into (worth doing both parts... track and mast), thirdly you need to ensure that both parts are clean and free from grease before you get sticky (use some rubbing alcohol or something that isn't going to leave a residue).

[JimC]

C-Tech tell me they currently use Adhesive Technologies HPR25, which is an NZ product, a rubber toughened epoxy.

[JimC]

So, I have the track, time to glue it on.  The recommended options seem to be Plexus MA420 or SPAbond 345. All well and good, but both are two parts with a special "gun" to apply, which is hideously expensive to buy for a job I hope never to do again. Is there anyone in easy reach of Surrey who would be prepared to lend me the implement for one or the other?

Jim C

[Clive Everest]

Hi Jim,
I have 50mL and 200 / 400mL guns in Southampton.
Clive