Mainsail Ballasts

Todd Smith · Aug 10, 2009

You should be able to use any weight battens (not ballast) that the local marine store (or online store) carries that are the correct length and width. You can also cut battens to length, just make a smooth end that won't cut the sail.

Ariel · Aug 10, 2009

Harlequin,

The battens should be as long as the pocket in the sail. Each sailmaker will have slight differences in the length they design the sail for, so do what you have done and measure the pocket.

Its best to keep the batten as light as posible and the thickness should be tappered so that it will bend to match the sail shape but still support the roach of the sail. The thin end should be to the inside of the sail.

I would think that one inch wide battens will be strong enough and West Marine carries a full line. Go to their web site or any other marine supply site and you will find a full line of sail battens.

Dave
s/v ARIEL

MrBee · Aug 10, 2009

OK, he ask for Mainsail "Ballast" . I thought he might have been looking to post this in the "Fools Errands" Post but now I see what he was asking for !!

HeHe

Brian

Dave D · Aug 10, 2009

yeah Brian.
The serious guys got here first.

Drat! Foiled again!

Ted · Aug 10, 2009

Mainsail battens

If you sail in a predominately light air region you should use a more flexible batten. If you sail in a predominately heavy air region you should use a stiffer batten. Some people use two flexible battens in each pocket. Batten design and material selection is specific to your sailing conditions. Trial and error can be expensive so you might want to ask the guys at your local sail loft for some expert advise. They more than likely have exactly the size and flexibility you need. If you decide to go at it on your own, check to see if there is an elastic band sewn into the inboard end of the batten pocket. You will want to measure the batten length so that the elastic is stretched to about 75% of max so that it will put it in tension when fully inserted into the batten pocket. Not all batten pockets have this feature but in case yours does, make sure your battens aren't too short.

RichH · Aug 10, 2009

Harlequin said:
I have recently purchased my first sailboat, a '74 O'Day Javelin, and I am trying to restore it and replace missing parts. I cannot find anyone who knows what ballasts the mainsail takes. I checked the boat specs on it but there was nothing listed. It takes 3 ballasts, and the slots are all 2" wide in the mouth, one is 21" long, one is 22" long, and the third is 28" long. I don't know if the ballasts need to be the full size of the slots or not. I'd hate to put ballasts that are too heavy into the sail for fear of damaging it.
Anyone here know what sizes I need?
Thanks!

3/4" wide battens will be sufficient for the Javelin, tapered battens would be preferred.
http://www.odayjavelin.com/images/javspecs.gif

Joseph Shirley · Aug 11, 2009

I have to disagree with others on the width of the battens. The other info was quite good however.

They are correct that a narrower batten would suffice strength wise, but if your batten pockets are cut for 2" battens, then that is what you should get. I suspect that your batten pocket is made such that you insert the thin end of the batten into an open slot about 4 inches long on the upper edge of the leach end of the pocket. You have to flex the sail to get the batten in, then when the sail is raised, the pocket is tight and the batten cannot come out. If you use a narrower batten there is slack in the pocket and if you flog or flag the sail, as just coming head to wind, the battens can slip out and go over the side.

Have fun

Joe S

Dave Groshong · Aug 11, 2009

You can find ready made Javelin battens at DR:

http://www.drmarine.com/products.asp?cat=117

Mainsail Ballasts

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SBO Staff

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