[Public-List] Main sail track on mast

[Tim Peek via Public-List]

Today, while out with some friends I noticed the my the upper slider thing (feel free to correct me with the name!) on the main was off of the track. Thinking nothing of it I took all of them off and put them back on. Hoisted the sail up and much to my disappointment found the problem as the upper part of the main began sliding off the track about three feet past the spreaders!

I called someone, and as I had suspected the joint in the track has broken and I cannot hoist the main above that spot. I was able to get by with putting in two reefs and I really love the versatility of sailboats!

My plan is to get up there, drill out three above and below rivets on the track, and put in some self tapping screws larger than the original rivets. I imagine I am not the first to do this, or think of it. Can anyone offer me some recommendations, issues with this or preferred alternatives? Thank you.

Tim
Nevermore 219