LazyMate System

[karista]

I have the original main sail that came with the LazyMate flaking system. Several of the small retaining balls with the setscrews have broken and fallen off. I have not been able to find replacements at local sail lofts. North Sail, whose tag is on the sail was of no help. Does any one know a supplier of these round retainers?

[Jim Price]

I have removed the LazyMate system from my mainsail because of the issues with the lines, bungee, and balls breaking.  Before I got smart and removed, I simply went to a craft store and bought round wooden balls that I drilled out and modified for use.  They worked OK for a while but the issues with the lines and bungees breaking down and everything getting out of "kilter" trying to keep the correct tension got the best of me.

I removed, installed a product called "Sail Cradle" that is something like LazyJacks without the problems sometimes associated with LazyJacks.  It is a shock corded system that is stored on the mast and only deployed when I wantt to drop the main.  It is called a "Sail Cradle" from Sail Care. 

I also do not use the topping lift excpt to hold the boom when not under sail.

You can use Lazy Jacks, EZ Jacks, Sail Cradle or your own design.  Just dump the LazyMates.

[Jon Schneider]

I don't mean this to sound snotty, but you'll be a lot happier changing that main than fixing the the Lazymate system.  It was a lousy sail in the first place and a cheap flaking system.  Even though most people don't think mains are all that important, contemporary designs really improve performance.  There are lots of suggestions on the net for lazy jacks, though Wichard makes a really convenient and good system (albeit a bit pricey).

[Susan Ray]

Another good system is the Mack Pack. Go to http://www.macksails.com. I had this on my last boat, a Catalina 30, and it was excellent, almost too easy.
Susan

[karista]

While I agree that the LazyMate System would not be my choice, it has way to many potential problems, however, I have learned to use it effectively over the years. It doesn't make much sense to replace it for the lack of a few low cost retainer balls. The original designer/manufacturer is St. Micheal Sails, unfortunately they no longer stock these ball retainers either. It appears that I will need to make them myself by purchasing the wood/plastic marbles and then drilling and tapping them, or buy, as suggested a different system.

[Jim Price]

I forgot to mention, that I only enlarged the through holes in the wooden balls.  I am sure they already had a small hole in them.  A package at Michaels craft store is only couple of bucks.

I did not tap for a set screww - I positioned and then added a drop of quick set epoxy glue to ball and line to hold inplace.  Easier to do but harder to change position.  Just a thought.

[sdudgeon]

I have the original main sail that came with the LazyMate flaking system. Several of the small retaining balls with the setscrews have broken and fallen off. I have not been able to find replacements at local sail lofts. North Sail, whose tag is on the sail was of no help. Does any one know a supplier of these round retainers?

[foursailing]

I agree with Rainbow - Mackpack is a great system - had it my Pearon 30 and it is the one thing I miss since moving up to my C34.  I have the dutchman system now and prefer the mackpack.  Will look to add a mackpack (or similar)  this winter - along with new set of sails.