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Old 04-15-2009, 12:56 PM
Brion Toss Brion Toss is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,180
Default Nice option

Hello,
A track such as you suggest can be a lovely option for a gaff, but not all T-track is created equal. Some, like Harken 3086, is designed primarily for a tension load, like Genoa sheets typically impose. But the narrow base makes it susceptible to high lateral loads, like your gaff might impose. Historically, people have gotten around this either by going with extra-large track, or adding a wide base to T-track, or both. But you'd probably be better off with 3154, which is designed to handle the heavy side loads imposed by spinnaker poles. Unfortunately, this will mean custom slides, but it is still worth pursuing.
What is the mast material? If it is wood, be sure to epoxy pot the fasteners.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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