Full Batten Slides, Worth it?

[Bob Camarena]

I had full battens retrofitted to my C-30's old main and have been very satisfied with them. I did not have my standard sail slides replaced with more specialized (and more expensive) slides made expressly for full battens. What would I get for the extra expense if I decided to go that route?P.S. We daysail and go for short cruises in the SF Delta and Bay, no racing.

 

[Michael Cohn]

Batten Slides

The main will go up and down more easily if you use the slides made for the full length battens. Also, your battens may last longer. I recommend Harken slides, which I use on my H45.MC

 

[Alex]

It depends..

You need these (very expensive) sliders only if it is hard to raise and lower the mainsail.. due to sliders friction -and adding full lenght batten might add to such friction-and not due to other mechanical components'or turning blocks friction.It has almost nothing to do with the efficiency of the sail. .That's why you will find that mostly on 35' foot and up sailboats.

 

[Michael Cohn]

Expensive indeed - but...

They are indeed a bit on the pricey side, but they last virtually forever, and they do make that raising/lowering task a lot easier. You don't need to buy the entire system as far as I know.MC

 

[Bill Colombo]

Full Batten Hardware

Bob, Usually, I only recommend specialized full batten hardware such as Battslides if the mainsail has trouble going up or down smoothly. The Catalina 30 uses flat internal luff slides, and these usually work pretty well with full battens. However, if your sail is hanging up at all this type of specialized hardware will definitely help. These batten receptacles are attached to the luff slides with a universal joint that prevents the luff slide from twisting and binding in the mast groove. As you mentioned they are fairly pricey so if you don't need them you can save quite a bit of money.Bill

 

[ERIC]

COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

Bob, i do have a more cost effective solution, and that is Allslip slides available from most sailmakers. The Allslip can be either slide or slug and is made of molybdenum disulfide and plastic and has a very low friction.the slide or slug version also has a bearing surface for the back of the mast, that will reduce friction from compression loading. total cost for all of your slides or slugs replaced...$80.00 to $100.00 ..I hope that this helps. Eric