Have been considering a new main sail for our Hunter 22. Would like opinions on fully battened or not.
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Full battens
Volkswagens, Chevy's, Fords; North, Pryde, Doyle -- all choice options, same with battens. And, it depends on whether you are planning to use a roller furler on your main. However, on my 78h30, I had a semi-battened main that I had converted to a full-battened main because, in my opinion, the full battens cause the sail to hold better shape, ergo, become more become more efficient as an airfoil and lifting body. It's my opinion as well that full battens extend the life of a main sail by preventing the main sail from blowing out sooner. Sure, they are a bit tricky when it comes to furling or flaking, but it's just a matter of different technique than patent difficulty. My standard preference is full battens, double reefing points and a mainsail track system, in this case the Strong Track System. That's my choice. And, your's is...
Volkswagens, Chevy's, Fords; North, Pryde, Doyle -- all choice options, same with battens. And, it depends on whether you are planning to use a roller furler on your main. However, on my 78h30, I had a semi-battened main that I had converted to a full-battened main because, in my opinion, the full battens cause the sail to hold better shape, ergo, become more become more efficient as an airfoil and lifting body. It's my opinion as well that full battens extend the life of a main sail by preventing the main sail from blowing out sooner. Sure, they are a bit tricky when it comes to furling or flaking, but it's just a matter of different technique than patent difficulty. My standard preference is full battens, double reefing points and a mainsail track system, in this case the Strong Track System. That's my choice. And, your's is...
Full Battens Yeah
I'm about to replace my main and I'm going full battens on my H-27, 1984. Not that the boat is slow, but why not get all the benefit you can from a sail??
I'm about to replace my main and I'm going full battens on my H-27, 1984. Not that the boat is slow, but why not get all the benefit you can from a sail??
Full Battens
If it were my boat I'd opt for full battens too, for all the same reasons Bob Howie mentioned. The sail shape is definitely nice and the sail will last longer. Between our marina and the main channel I have to go under a bridge and through a narrow channel. Standardly I have to motor and the wind is more often than not on the nose - both going and coming! Full batten main helps to keep the sail flat. Also, love that roach! That's where all the power is. Many sailmakers will opt for the lower batten or two to not be full battens - no opinion on this. Opt for a good leach line adjustment system. Something that's easy to operate when under sail.
If it were my boat I'd opt for full battens too, for all the same reasons Bob Howie mentioned. The sail shape is definitely nice and the sail will last longer. Between our marina and the main channel I have to go under a bridge and through a narrow channel. Standardly I have to motor and the wind is more often than not on the nose - both going and coming! Full batten main helps to keep the sail flat. Also, love that roach! That's where all the power is. Many sailmakers will opt for the lower batten or two to not be full battens - no opinion on this. Opt for a good leach line adjustment system. Something that's easy to operate when under sail.
Full battens and a loose foot.
If you want a performance sail, you may as well get a loose foot on it too. Partial batten (top two pockets), partial battens in lower and a loose foot makes a nice combo.
If you want a performance sail, you may as well get a loose foot on it too. Partial batten (top two pockets), partial battens in lower and a loose foot makes a nice combo.
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