New Mainsail for 2004 H33

[meb135]

Has anyone with a 2004 H33 with in-mast furling, replaced the battenless mainsail with a vertical batten mainsail? Will the width of the mast groove for that model year allow for battens?

thanks

Marc

 

[lbd]

Has anyone with a 2004 H33 with in-mast furling, replaced the battenless mainsail with a vertical batten mainsail? Will the width of the mast groove for that model year allow for battens?

thanks

Marc

Hi Marc, I own a Hunter 2004 33. Just replaced fixed prop with Kiwi feathering. Appreciable better speed under sail especially when changing direction, under power, forward or reverse, no discernible difference. Also installed new main with battens and new jib. Was worried mast slot would not accommodate battens causing furling issues but took sailmakers advice all would be OK and so far so good. I think batten thickness is critical. Also used a slightly lighter canvas to help sail fit into mast. When furling / unfurling releasing vang to ensure battens remain parallel to mast and slightly to/from port is best. Performance is way better with new sails as battened main appears somewhat larger due to supported leech with no flapping which seems to be a bi product of battenless sails, at least in my experience. It's virtually like sailing a different boat. Hope this helps.

 

[meb135]

Thanks Idb. Very valuable information. After new sails, a folder prop is high the list.
I'm assuming you have the short vertical battens and not the full lenght verticals?

 

[lbd]

Thanks Idb. Very valuable information. After new sails, a folder prop is high the list.
I'm assuming you have the short vertical battens and not the full lenght verticals?

Yes, 3 (for memory) vertical battens that don't overlap. Full height wont go into mast. Battens are flat approx 3/4" wide, approx 26" long and equally spaced along leech. My experience was prop made immediate speed difference. Increase via new sails will I suppose depend on the condition of your current main. Cheers Mark