Just received new sails (Harrstick) and Mack Pack.
The Mack Pack came with #6 self-tapping screws to install twist snaps which hold the cover to the mast and 10-24 machine screws to be drilled and tapped into the mast to secure cheek blocks 30’ up the mast and hooks to hold up the top forward corner of the cover.
Question is: Is it a good idea to drill & tap into the carbon fibre, also are the self tapping screws good?
I’ve tried to search the board for answers to this to no avail.
I just installed Mack Packs on my 39 Express. I replaced the self taping scres with standard threads so everything was drilled and tapped. Very easy to do in the carbon fiber. When making the final installation I set all screws with 4200 to seal. Probably overkill but…
I did not install the cheek blocks provided by Mack Sails. Tell them you have a Freedom and they will exchange the cheek block for a standard turning block. These can then be mounted to a short pendant ( I made mine form amsteel with Brummel splices) that will attach at the original lazy Jack Points on the front of the mast. I did not want to drill more holes than necessary or hang in the bosuns chair while mounting the cheek blocks.
I have used mine on several trips now and they have worked well. Note: I did find that when I dropped the sails without unhooking the pack from the mast the sail hung up at the top because the opening was to narrow. I put loops in the top grummet and use a boat hook to put the grummet on the hook so I do not have to climb the mast to drop and replace.
The general advice I have had from members is that self tapping screws are to be avoided. Drilling and tapping and/or pop rivets seem to be preferable in CF masts.
regards,
In regards to cheek blocks on mast they have been a constant source of pain for me. Every halyard and every other possible line gets caught on them, raising the main, jib and everything else seems to find there way around those much hated cheek blocks.
After 2 years i finally removed them and used the original lazyjacks turning points and it has been a source of much happiness.
Cheers Dale Tournier
Freeform.