This weekend Olie and I were discussing the fact that the car sticks a lot on the track. Have tried washing it with soap and water, then later tried silicone spray, but still will get stuck. Looking at the track we were wondering if the bend might cause some of this. Is mainly only a problem in lighter winds, and just a little push moves it fine. Wondering if anyone else had noticed this and any ideas to fix it some. We were debating about removing a bearing to see if that would help, but trying not to do anything drastic if can be avoided.
Thanks for the input

And as a side note, at the outback this weekend Oile and Joanna were double handed and me single and in both configs in the lighter winds the boats were staying up with the f18s and even the I20s.

Mine has the exact same problem, as do most of the Blades I've seen. I did the same as you, wash, spray, etc. still it hangs up a little in light air.

Sometimes it snags on one of the control lines.

It is probably the curvature of the track. This is not easily solved.

Just learn to tip it to the ends by hand in light airs. Take it up in your routine, as such it is just like snapping your mainsail battens over.

Wouter

Sending the jib over by hand is what I have been doing. Seems to work well. Also I let the sheets out while sending it over then draw them back. This helps in the light air we have had too much of this season.
Jody failed to mention that at the Outback the two F16s took first and second then a F18 and single handed I20. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> How did you do on elapsed time?

The elapsed times were very close, but I don't know exactly. I know that we were close enough in 3 races to correct into first; one race into second and the through out was a fifth. Real time was very close. Two races were over an hour and the other three between 30-40 minutes. In light air we find that the F16 is very competitive with the bigger boats. Just waiting for some real wind to see how she really does.
PS-Check out the comments on the open forum-(The Outback)-http://www.catsailor.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=118896&page=0&fpart=all&vc=1

You won't be disappointed. Check the non-skid on the decks, make sure there is plenty. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I think this is due to "dings" on the track. The dings (or nicks) are caused by the mast resting on the track from taking the mast off the mast stand prior to hoisting it.

My Blade is brand spanking new and the car sticks. When I look close at the track it is faceted rather than a smooth curve. It looks like it is a straight track that was bent rather than formed in a curve. Teflon spray seemed to work. We'll see how long it lasts.

49er jib traveler car ftw!

I have the similar problem on mine (sometimes). I must say, that in light winds you have more than sufficient time to 'help' the jib to tack.

Teflon is not too good in my opinion, because it keeps sand and other dirt on to the track after a couple of times. I never use that kind of things.
What helps is wetting the rail if you take off.

Gill