Posted by Lorman, Alvin J. (ajlorman@…>)
John:
I suggest that you call Tides Marine and ask them the technical questions. Alternatively, ask sail lofts which have installed the product. The answer to your first question, though, is in the question itself: UHMW-PE is ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. That is, it is a polyethylene plastic made of large molecules. Another UHMW product is Starboard. As a group, this type of product is pretty sturdy and long-lasting.
6" between the top of the gooseneck and the bottom of the track is probably not enough. As I recall, the instructions say you need 8". The stuff is reasonably flexible, but it does have some stiffness. I removed the bottom 5 or 6 rivets on my mast track so that I could offset it from the boom when I installed mine. Then I pop-riveted the track back in. This was scarier to contemplate than to accomplish.
Al Lorman
F30 Ab Initio
Original Message-----From: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of JoanJohn@…Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 7:58 AMTo: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.comSubject: [freedomyachts2003] Strong Track - durability questions
I am very interested in installing the Strong Track on my Freedom 45, but am concerned about it’s durability. I have read the emails going back and forth, but have not seen any assessment of the product other than it does its job.
Does anyone know the following about UHMW-PE:
What type of material is it?
How UV resistant is it?
How prone to breakage?
Is this off-shore capable stuff?
Also: I have only 6" clearance between the top of the goose-neck and the bottom of the track. Will there be a problem bending this for entry into track slot?
Thanks in advance.
John Ernst
Hertford, NC
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