Inflatable Battens

[ITMaster]

Anyone try inflatable battens in either the head sail or the main for furling systems? I have heard they can be pretty slick with a large genoa when placed parallel with the leech. Wouldn't mind a little bit of discussion with pros and cons.
What has anyone heard, seen or experienced about them?

 

[Alan]

North Sails has ...

...used them on large furling genoas. When the genoa is ready to furl the pressure in the battens is removed and the sail furled. I don't see why it wouldn't work for furling mains also.

 

[ITMaster]

Thanks Alan

Guess they must be something the few of us have used. I would guess that they would drive the costs of the sails up a fair bit.

 

[Mike8245]

Sail magazine has an article in the Aug 08 issue on them. Page 48., good read.