Testimonial
Hunter 410 Sailboat
Sail Track
Terry F.
Sailboat "Raconteur"
Tides Marine, Inc.
3251-A SW 13th Drive
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
STRONG TRACK RECORD
Hunter 410 Sistership
Like so many other sailors, I have come to expect less every year from the vendors with whom I do business, both
personally and professionally. Less staff, more cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes, (read cheaper and less durable)
have generally translated into more frequent frustration and disappointment. I recently had an experience that is the absolute antithesis
of this trend.
My Hunter 410 has a battened main and a Seldon rig that works beautifully until the wind blows. Don't misunderstand me, I love the boat, and have logged more than 2,000 miles on her during the first 10 months of ownership. Unfortunately, the main was difficult to raise, reef, and shape, (even with a powered winch).
Hunter 410
In April of this year, I decided that the situation was beyond McLube, and began seeking a mechanical solution. I
contacted Seldon and priced out their roller track system. At $3Kplus, the Seldon system was more than I was ready to spend. Along with
several others, Seldon suggested that I consider Strong Track. The system was widely available through area riggers, but for comparison's
sake, I looked up Strong Track on the web and went directly to the manufacturer. The rest is history.
Jeff Strong is one of the best people I have ever worked with. In spite of a heavy schedule that puts him on the road (and regularly in the air) he was extremely helpful. He carefully answered all of my dumb questions, followed up immediately with product literature, and walked me through the installation process.
Hunter 410 Sistership
The complete system (track, slides, and installation hardware) was included in a price that was less then a third of the
Seldon system, and intimately less complicated. Once ordered, the system was manufactured and delivered on time, with all of the correct
components, for the agreed upon price.
Better yet, it performed beyond my expectation so well that I cannot understand why it was not offered by Hunter as an accessory, in lieu of the power assist on the winch.
With the Strong Track system, the main is easily raised, reefed, shaped, and stowed, with or without the benefit of the power winch. The battens refuse to bind, even with wind in the sail.
I would recommend the use of this system for anyone using a traditional main with full or partial battens. I would also recommend that anyone interested in using the system, or getting further information regarding the system, work directly with the manufacturers. They are quite simply a delight.
Terry F.
Sailboat "Raconteur"
Quality Marine Systems at a fair price....
it's just the beginning of the Tides Marine experience.
Tides Marine 3251 SW 13th Dr. Suite A Deerfield Beach, Fl 33442
Tel: (800) 420-0949 Tel: (954) 420-0949 Fax: (954) 420-0945
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