Mainsail track from cockpit to coachroof
 

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, but I'm a long time fan of Toss publications. I have a question to those of you that would like to help me.

I've a Beneteau First 42s7 cruiser version that originally had the mainsail track on the coachroof, a previous owner modified it moving the track to the cockpit just like the racing version and I enjoyed it that way for years. Now the boat is dedicated exclusively to crusing, no more racing for her, therefore I'm considering bringing the track back on the coachroof to install a bimini top for more comfort on long summertime navigation and gain some room in the cockpit.

The boom still has the holes for the blocks and even on the coachroof is possibile to see where there were holes for the track.

My question is about how to proceed inside the cabin where the deckhead is a whole one piece sealed all around the saloon and there isn't any opening to work on the under side of the coachroof.

Any suggestion?
thank you very much

Some pictures to better explain the problem:

Options
 

Hello,
The simplest install would be a traveler attached only at the outer ends. Check out the Harken #1849 risers, for an example. Depending on the deck structure, you might be able to "pot" the fasteners in epoxy; properly done this gives you 100% fastener strength. If that doesn't work, consider using a hole saw to access throughbolt ends in the cabin. Once the track is installed, you can install plastic plugs made to fit the holes. It is a tidy solution.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss