Batten size on H26?

[Scott Pittam]

Could somebody help me out on the batten sizes for a '94 H26. I purchased it last season and the previous owner never came up with the battens. I see in West Marine there are 2 types(tapered and non tapered) and several sizes and lengths. Thanks for any help.

 

[Don Barber]

No Problem!

Scott, there is a very simple solution to your problem. You can purchase lengths of non-tapered 3/4 inch batten from West Marine, which you insert in the pockets, mark, and then cut to length with a hack saw. I have done this on my boat, and it works well. Just measure the lengths of your batten pockets, and add a little extra length to each one so you can cut them to fit precisely. Specify each of these lengths in your order from West Marine.  Also, don't forget to purchase nylon end caps. These will extend the functional length of the batten slightly, so you will need to insert an end cap on the batten before you feed it into the sleeve. You will also need to allow for the additional length of the end cap where the batten touches the leech of the sail. You may have to file the lateral edges of the end caps so the batten can be inserted into the sleeve. The ones I bought were wider than the batten itself. Good luck!Don BarberS.V. Anodyne

 

[GailForce]

I agree w/Don

I followed the same process on my old 1996 H26. Don't forget to glue the nylon tips on the or they will come off inside the batten pockets when removed. If you have a topping lift line, don't let the battens protrude beyond the roach or they will hang up when tacking. On my sail the closure system was velcro. The strap was supposed to go around the end of the pocket opening and then inserted under a loop on the side and then velcroed in place. Now you know why I had to replace mine. I didn't thread them through the loop and they fell out. The damn things don't float. Hmmm.... Easy project though.Jeff