I'm getting ready to buy a new mainsail for my Catalina 27 (81'). I would like to hear the pros and cons for a full batten mainsail. Is it worth it? How is the balance? etc. I sail Catalina and Santa Monica bay area
I had full battens retrofitted to my 1981 C-30's main. The main was pretty old and the battens seem to have improved performance. They've also significantly reduced flogging and noise and have made furling easier. I have lazy jacks and raising and lowering the main is a cinch. I wouldn't order a new sail without them.
Because the full batten main doesnt luff, you can ease it when the wind pipes up to maitain correct heel angle without feeling like you are damaging your main.
I switched to a full batten main 2 years ago. Pro's: You can depower and luff the main without flogging. Better sail shape in light winds. Extended roach gives you more sail area =(more power). Flakes easily along boom with battens. Con's: Binds up on track when lowering with the wind not dead ahead. The extended roach hooks the backstay and in light airs does not tack. If you are going to purchase a full batten you should look into batten cars or simular equipment to help you lower the main. There have been times I have tried to lower the main with the wind from behind and it is impossible! Even with a crew member pulling down from the base of the mast. Would this keep me from buying another full batten? Not in the least. The benefits more than out weigh the problems.
North sails made my last main. The top two battons are full. The bottom two (or one) are not. Advantages are a nice shape at top but it's still easy to flake & hoist. I like the compromise.
I had my last main made with the top 2 battens full length, and the bottom 2 were oversized, but not full. The top 2 give the sail most of its shape. A lot less binding in the sail track when lowering and raising. I think a great compromise. I've also seen lots of "grand prix" racing boats with this setup lately.
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