battan size

[wayne lentz]

I have a 2001 Hunter 260 that was delivered with Doyle sails. When removing the main sail for winter storage I noticed that the top battan was missing. All the other battans were in their pockets with the velcro strap folded over. Is there a certain length to the top battan or should I measure the pocket and replace the entire pocket with general battan stock?Wayne Lentz

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Batten

You should be fine with general stock you can get at West Marine. You might want to take one with you to make sure it's as close as possible to the original. LaDonna

 

[Ray Bowles]

Wayne, I too lost that batten and bought new

batten stock from West Marine. The part number is 414136 for non-tapered 5/8 inch stock. I bought 3 10' sticks and carry them onboard by wrapping them in Velcro and sticking them on the inside cabin walls for spares. I now drill a small (approx. 1/8 inch) hole in the outside batten end and loop a small nylon line thru the hole and tie it to the strap and strap sleeve that is supposed to hold the original batten in. Now they can't come out, but you will have to cut your line off to put the sail up for the winter. No damage to the sail and no more lost battens. Without the battens you can tear the sail and stitching I've heard. We caught our early enough that we were ok but you might want to check your stitching.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Bill Colombo]

Top Batten

Wayne, Replace the missing batten with batten stock of similar width and flex . Make sure to cut it so that it is snug in the pocket. Also, use a file to remove any sharp edges that might chafe the pocket.Bill C.