"Gate" or Slug Stop?
My O-34 came with a slug stop that prevents the sail slugs from dropping down into the widened-out insertion area. Kenyon made, and Rig Rite sells, a pair of plates and screw attachments that "closes" the slot from both sides and lets the slugs drop down to the top of the gooseneck. I hope to make a set of these sometime, to make reefing a LOT easier. If I choose to buy 'em from Rig Rite, the cost is said to be about $100. :eek:
Most production boats have a "slug stop" with a knurled tightener, on a lanyard so it will not go overboard, as does our boat.
Can you describe your gate?
You might look at Spars link at <
http://www.rigrite.com/> and see if your particular section and asociated hardware is listed.
Best,
Loren