full batten systems

[ktm500mx]

I am considering a new main with 4 full battens. What I would like to know has anyone used them and do they work? I allready have ezjax system to
catch the main allready. thinking harken or something like that.
thx. no dutchman though personal prefference.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Not sure what you mean by "do they work?" but we have 5 battens on our main and use Harken Battcars with a Dutchman system to help tame it. Perhaps you can be more specific regarding whether youri question relates to performance, ease of use, or something else..

 

[s sauer]

Full Batten Main Sail

I am considering a new main with 4 full battens. What I would like to know has anyone used them and do they work? I allready have ezjax system to
catch the main allready. thinking harken or something like that.
thx. no dutchman though personal prefference.

For a mid- 80's Hunter 31 with mast head swept back B&R rig, the full battened main may not be worthwhile.
More likely a full top battten and longer (IOR length) lower battens will adequately support the roach of the mainsail. However, with full battens, when you let the main out to the shrouds on a broad reach or run the battens will be up against the shrouds and if you let the boom out al the wayto the shrouds as well, the draft curve of the main may actually invert .

In my opinion, the full batten mains are a better feature on rigs that don't have swept back spreaders and those seeking to maximize the roach curve of the main on rigs without backstays.

Are you looking for more performance or more easily stored sails?

 

[ktm500mx]

sorry I should have been more specific. I am looking to make it easier to raise and lower the main. the current slide system even lubed up sticks going up and down. I am thinking of trying this because I hurt my back and neck badly and was hoping it would make it easier.
thx in advance Mike

 

[Alan]

I would try...

...down sizing the main halyard first. It is going to make a huge difference in the force needed to get the main up regardless of the battens.

As for battens affecting how easily you can raise the main I just don't see any correlation between the two. If anything, the larger heavier battens and the associated stuff that goes with it are only going to make the situation that much more difficult.

Full battens are used to support extra large roaches on mains that would otherwise have a difficult time maintaining their shape. They also induce curve into the shape of the sail which, if not adjusted properly can adversely affect the performance of the sail. Incorrectly induced shape in the sail may 'look' good but can in fact be a detriment.

 

[ktm500mx]

I was sailing on a boat that had a strong track system and full batten main from mack sails I belive and this system could be put up or down as easy as pie. I was only on the boat a few hours so I wanted to ask here to see if some of the peeps on the list have lived with the system.

 

[Alan]

kym

So if I understand you correctly, the problem you are currently having is with friction in the mainsail slides in the mast. Try cleaning the mast grove with a cleaning solvent soaked into a rag and run up and down the track. Then lubricate the track with bees wax. Never use oils or lubricants that can grab and hold dirt.
You can make a track cleaner out of a couple of sail slides and some fabric. Then run it up and down the mast track with the main halyard and a downhaul.

I would certainly try fixing the problem rather than circumventing it by putting in a whole new system. My method will cost you next to nothing to try and you can always resort to replacement after if you like. Don't underestimate the need to downsize the main halyard. It will make a significant difference.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

sorry I should have been more specific. I am looking to make it easier to raise and lower the main. the current slide system even lubed up sticks going up and down. I am thinking of trying this because I hurt my back and neck badly and was hoping it would make it easier.
thx in advance Mike

Sounds as though you have done everything you can to lube the track and it still is difficult to raise and lower the mainsail. Before going further, you might try raising and lowering the sail from the mast as this will eliminate much of the friction from the turning blocks on deck which is often a big part of the problem. If working at the mast doesn't help or you prefer not to do it from there, the only option left is to replace the sail handling system with a track and slides.

There are a few options from which to choose, the Strong Track being one popular one and I believe the least expensive. Regardless of which you choose, make sure you fully understand the consequences involved including possible main sail modifications, stack height of the new cars and the work involved in installing the track.

If you decide to install one, you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it will be.

 

[Dean Strong]

I have an H30, with a 2 + 2 batten system, the top two are full, the bottom two are partial, with a Dutchman furling system. I raise the main to the top with no winch, only use the winch to get a nice tight leech with no wrinkles. Batcars not needed, just a little McLube from time to time....

Battens vastly improved performance and sail shape, can handle about 5 knts more of wind without reefing, etc.

Its a Doyle, purchased through this site about two years ago.

 

[SailArkansas]

I was sailing on a boat that had a strong track system and full batten main from mack sails I belive and this system could be put up or down as easy as pie. I was only on the boat a few hours so I wanted to ask here to see if some of the peeps on the list have lived with the system.

I have the Strong Track System on my boat and still have great difficulty raising the sail from the spreaders up. It does drop easily so there is something going on that I cant figure out. I am interested in the comment about downsizing the main halyard. Does it have to do with the weiight of the line itself?

 

[Alan]

No, it's not the weight of the line, it's the diameter. The larger the diameter of the line the greater the amount of turning friction. Also a line that it too large for the sheave will develop excess friction. Downsizing will make a dramatic difference in hoisting effort.

PS after re reading your post it occurs to me that you may also have a wrap in your halyard inside the mast. Try loosening all the other internal lines (halyards, foreguy, topping lift) while trying to raise your main. If things change you probably have a wrap.