Just for the sake of - the other opinion- I have installed hundreds of slugs in mainsails (you can do it yourself on boats this size) when I was selling boats. Not hard job - great for the boatyard/parts store or sailmaker and more appropriate for large sails IMO. If you have a well designed feeder at the throat of the mast the boltrope should feed into it with no problems, (mine has not caused a problem in approximately the 7 years it has been on the rig) the feeder came on new mast from Ballenger Spars. Pros for slugs: Easier to flake sail onto boom. Sometimes - less friction when hoisting and lowering - IF all goes well. There may be other benefits - I don't see them at the moment. I am stubborn. Cons for slugs: sail is supported at slugs only - this can cause a problem when: slug fails and adjacent ones are overloaded. reefing and the slugs become overloaded or break - see above. Slugs bind or are inserted 'upside down' Metal shackles and metal bails on slugs - (less prone to breaking) - can damage mast and anodizing. More weight aloft. Less efficient aero attachment at the mast. Attached is photo showing mainsail feeder - enlarge to 100% for clear view of feeder- ( current sail has a floating tack and the tack and cunningham cringles are tied in and against the mast as they float up and down) - I roll my sails, so flaking is not a concern for the boat. The sail is attached along the whole luff and thus the load is spread move evenly with a boltrope. BTW -your headboard should have slug (or two- in the case of larger headboard) attached with webbing when installing the slugs - this prevents -you guessed-it , the upper slug/shackle/grommet from being overloaded at the leech as experienced during reefing conditions. Biggest Cluster That is a different opinion and worth every penny of the price paid -mileage may vary, always wear safety glasses, this is an exhibition - NOT a competition -Please - No Wagering! Remember -any one with an Internet connection can be an Expert when delivering information thru the 'ether' - If you have read this far, you have been witness to the phenomenon. go
