Full batten velcro straps

[ex-admin]

Bill,I have a full (3) batten Doyle main on my Pearson 26. Beautiful sail though about 10 years old. I noticed at the end of last summer the lowest batten was worn through the blue velcro holding strap at the leech end. I find that if I pull the velcro off and reposition it a few inches back it gives me enough blue strap to sew it around the batten and hold it in place. Will this repair have any effect on the sail's performance? After inspecting the other two battens they look like they are wearing through too. If I repair all three the same way would that have any effect on the performance?Thanks,David

 

[Bill Colombo]

Batten Velcro

David,It is not unusual for the velcro straps to need replacement after 10 years. Instead of shortening the existing straps I would recommend taking the sail in to the loft and having new straps installed. This would not be very costly. A shorter strap will not have the holding power of the original length strap. Also over time the velcro hook/loop tends to wear out and does not grip as well as when it was new. If this is all that is needed on a 10 year old sail I would say you should be pleased!Thanks,Bill C.Doyle Sails