Sail ties?

Captain Larry-DH · Jun 10, 2019

If you have batten pockets where they are, those are the straps that would hold the battens in the pockets. Normally the straps secure the ends of the battens using Velcro or tied with thin polyester lines for lashing. You need to buy the missing battens cut to size, and repair-replace the straps and lashing or Velcro.

JimInPB · Jun 10, 2019

There are a number of ways to hold battens in pockets. You can use Velcro, snaps, Tie Strings, inner elastic with outer pocket, permanent stitching, etc.

vhoisington · Jun 10, 2019

Your also may be talking about thelight weight nylon tell tails which help with showing how the air is flowing over the sail.

jssailem · Jun 10, 2019

D7764 said:
I have a Hunter 18.5. I have yet to sail her and as I was practicing in the driveway, I noticed that there are straps on the sail that look like they either hold the batans? in or attach to a back stay (which I don't think I have) or both. But three out of four are tattered or ripped off. How can I fix them, and do I need them?
Please and Thank you.

As you can tell from the several comments it can be confusing for us folk who are not there to see exactly what you are trying to describe. How about using this great feature. A picture. Take it and up load it using the convenient “UpLoad a File” tab.

We can give you much better answers to your question.

jssailem · Jun 11, 2019

Ok.
Those are batten pockets and the straps hold the battens (a fiberglass strip that slides into the pocket ) in place while sailing.

Here is a link to Sailrite. It shows battens of different types.
https://www.sailrite.com/All-Hardware/Sail-Hardware/Battens-and-End-Caps

jssailem · Jun 11, 2019

Some pockets are stitched in such a way that the batten slides in and when fully inserted then slides downward to fit snugly in the pocket.

How big of boat? Different sails have different ways of securing the battens.

jssailem · Jun 11, 2019

Pleasure. You can sail with out the batten but it will eventually wear out the leach of your sail. The battens stiffen the edge of the sail. The sail leach will flutter. The battens stop the flutter from wearing down the threads. You might consider seeking help from a loft if your having trouble.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jun 12, 2019

The last 18.5 if recalling correctly was built in 1991 being a wing keel. One question. Is the main original and if so a new sail. Never did like the attachment of the sail slides with Velcro that often became unattached. Use to send out mainsail for grommets installed along the sail with shackles attached to sail slides or if in bad shape a new sail. Use to be a dealer
Suggest taking care of that issue before sailing.

Apex · Jun 13, 2019

D7764, keep it simple so you can get out there. Most install battens at the beginning of the season, removing them only for storage. Take a needle and heavy thread, sew the grey webbing strap pieces together once you have the batten in place. Sew just the strap if you can versus through the sailcloth. If you have to sew through the sailcloth, that will be ok. Then you can then fix when you have time. The fix involves removing the webbing that is damaged, sewing on a new piece with the buckle I recommend sailing with the battens in. The battens support the positive roach in your mainsail, keeping the leech from folding down on itself.