Schaeffer (grade: F)

Yes, the sailing hardware company. Our jib sheet tracks are 12' 1-1/4" T-track, mounting holes 4" centers,  from Schaeffer. When we pulled them to re-caulk the decks we discovered corrosion on the underside of the track so I ordered two new ones from Fisheries in Seattle. They delivered one and back-ordered the second to be included in their next stock order from Schaeffer. I received the first one and all was well, the new one exactly matched the two old ones.

The back ordered track was delivered several weeks later. Laying the tracks out it was obvious the latest arrival was a bit different. The hole spacing seemed to be a bit bigger than 4" - at the end of 12' it was off by 3/8"!  I called customer service at Schaeffer and they told me the track was 4" centers more or less but not all tracks were the same; the holes could be off. They said there was nothing they could do about it, just the way the track was made. I wonder how many people installing Schaeffer tracks on their masts or decks would be happy knowing if they ever have to replace it they need to fill all the holes and start over?

Later in the summer I was in the bay area on business and dropped by Svendsen's. Their rigging manager thought I was a bit daft but I did talk him into measuring all 11 tracks they had in stock. The hole spacing on the eleven tracks varied from 1/4" under to 3/8" over after twelve feet ( I needed 12' from a 14' track). None were exactly 4" centers.

Seeing my wife and I puzzling over the track one day, a well known Port Townsend rigger ask what was up and called Schaeffer to try to arrive at a resolution. No satisfaction, you can't even pattern the existing holes and have the track custom made through Scheaffer. A similar call to Harken revealed a completely different attitude - their tracks are identical and can be replaced; they'll also drill holes to match a supplied pattern for their T track.

It is mind-boggling that a major manufacturer of sailboat hardware cannot manufacture track to the dimensions they advertise when they sell the track. Schaeffer's attitude regarding this leaves a bit to be desired. So, I am singlehandedly boycotting Schaeffer. We replaced our staysail sheet tracks on the coachroof with Harken since we weren't constrained by teak decks and bolts through the headliner. No more Schaeffer hardware on our boat!