battons

[ted]

to some maybe a silly simple question!keep loosing battons from main of our 26.5 hunter.have tried most things including taping the ends of the pockets, and otherways.can anyone let usknow the infalable way to stop them slipping out - or for that matter when it happens -have lost three this season and never seen them fall out despite good eyesite!!ted.

 

[Wanderer138]

Tie them in

If they don't already have holes in the aft ends, drill a small (1/4") hole in each batten. Put the battens in the pockets and then use a red hot ice pick and melt a hole in each batten pocket (both sides) to line up with the holes in the battens. String a piece of light line (1/8" nylon or dacron) through the holes in the batten pocket and batten and then tie off at the leech. Good luck.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Velcro

You could also sew small velcro tabs on either side of the pocket.LaDonna

 

[Ray Bowles]

Our H26 has a fully battoned main and I drilled

the aft end of the batton, tied a small, strong line thru it and then thru the slot the batton cover slides into. Then I closed the batton velcro ends and sail taped the velcro so it wouldn't fly open as most of the velcro covers on older sails and dirty and worn and don't stay stuck closed.Welding, bolting, staking and jamming were tricks I saved for next time.Rays/v Speedy

 

[ted]

welding

is gas or electric weld the best.?just fustrated!ted.

 

[Frank on the BonnieLynn - H260]

My battons came with velcro straps, but I was told of the problem and told to sew them shut. Instead, I used a Poly sealant on the straps and I haven't had any problems.

 

[ted]

thanks

thanks for the replies.have borrowed the neighbor's bootles of gas, etc., found the carpenter's glue, the wife's sewing box, a supply of ten inch wide velcro and am expecting a box of ten inch stainless steel bolts the next two days.all combined, i think the problem will be solved!no, the battons will not be on another boat as the lagoon we are on is a safe as houses from the unscrupulous.again, many thanks.ted.