Slug is getting caught in the mast track

The slug on the halyard wire for the main sail is getting caught in the top of the mast track when I try to drop the main sail. It was jammed in there so tightly that it bent the aluminum a bit. I tipped over the boat and freed it up. Any ideas on how to prevent this issue? Maybe a small piece of metal screwed to the top that stops the slug from entering? I tried to attach a picture but can't see how to do it on this platform. Thanks for the help.

As you start to lower the sail keep a small amount of tension on the halyard line for the first few feet. Letting too much off quickly allows the wire to go slack and the second bead can flop into the track. Keeping some tension on it keeps it clear.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt. That makes sense.

Here is a pic of the issue, then a pic of how I fixed it...

https://flic.kr/p/2oYaSh2

https://flic.kr/p/2oY5mpf

any comments? Thanks.

If you don't ever reef your main sail, then you can file down the second bead so that it's diameter is smaller than the luff track. This way, it will never get stuck in the luff track. Just make sure you do not damage the SS halyard wire when filing down the bead.

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL