Full batten main

[Richard]

If you converted from standard to full, did you modify the existing or go new? If you modified existing what were the hardware upgrades(if any)? Who did the conversion? What were the costs? What is the greatest benefit(or not) of a full batten main?Thanks

 

[Chris Gonzales]

Ditto... and....

I agree with Harvey (and there is a lot in the archives) that it is a nice upgrade. But one thing is for sure IT IS HELL TO HOIST! With the slugs and mast slot coated with McLube the sail was still very difficult to hoist. My wife could not do it even with a winch handle and I would be puffing by the time I finished (using handle also).The battens fall a bit and twist putting sideways pressure on the slugs. Rather than spend the mucho $$ for a car system I upgraded from the Lewmar 10's (they needed replacing anyway) to Andersen 28ST 2 speeds. The sail raises easier now but still with more difficulty than a non full batten main.I purchased my main from Rolly Tasker Sails. It is a well built cruising type sail with no roach. I beleive it is 7 oz. The price was good (bought it from National Sail Supply on the web.Chris