Batten Pockets

[Bill18593]

I regularly lose battens out of the middle two (of four) of the batten pockets. The battens fit very snugly and the pocket seems to fold over the batten smoothly. But at some point, the batten just isn't there anymore. What might be the cause and is there anything I can do? Boat is a Hunter 25.5.Sailcare repaired the batten pockets a year ago and they seem OK.

 

[Bill Colombo]

Lost Battens

Bill, If you are losing battens on a regular basis something is definitely wrong. Even old style elastic pockets keep battens from falling out. It is possible that you are not installing the battens in the pocket properly. If that is not the problem then the pockets need to be re-engineered so that the battens don't fall out. A short term solution would be to hand sew the battens into the pocket.In order to remove them you will have to cut the stitching. I recommend getting a knowledgeable sailmaker or good local sailor to take a look at the pockets as well as the way you are inserting the battens.Thanks,Bill C.Doyle Sails