My wife and I went sailing last weekend with our 212. The gusts were considerable and without our noticing, the holddown on the longest mainsail batten came loose. Before we could get the mainsail down, the batten had worked itself out far enough to get lauched by the wind. In case anyone doesn't know, these things sink immediately. Anyway, This sail is made by Doyle, but I have had absolutely no luck finding a replacement part. Any ideas?
- Status
Batten Replacement
Just a suggestion: most sailmakers keep a roll of stock available in a variety of sizes and West Marine and, assumably their competitors also, have in-stock battens. Take one of the others for a match, measure the pocket and you should be back in business. Good luck. RD
Just a suggestion: most sailmakers keep a roll of stock available in a variety of sizes and West Marine and, assumably their competitors also, have in-stock battens. Take one of the others for a match, measure the pocket and you should be back in business. Good luck. RD
Common problem
Seems this happens to most of us with full batten Doyle sails. I finally figured out that it was the topping lift rubbing against the velcro closure for the batten that caused it to pop open. I lost a bunch of them.I started loosening the topping lift and making sure that the tab that holds the batten in is tucked into its little loop. Some folks sew the tab down. Haven't lost one in a while, but I was buying replacements from Boats US and/or West Marine. Alan Long S/V Random Access 1994 Hunter 23.5
Seems this happens to most of us with full batten Doyle sails. I finally figured out that it was the topping lift rubbing against the velcro closure for the batten that caused it to pop open. I lost a bunch of them.I started loosening the topping lift and making sure that the tab that holds the batten in is tucked into its little loop. Some folks sew the tab down. Haven't lost one in a while, but I was buying replacements from Boats US and/or West Marine. Alan Long S/V Random Access 1994 Hunter 23.5
suggestion
West Marine sell them in 12 foot roles. Get the 5/16 inch width and to hold in place, hole in the end of batten and a small hot point to burn the sail for a small hole. Then tie with string. Works every time crazy Dave
West Marine sell them in 12 foot roles. Get the 5/16 inch width and to hold in place, hole in the end of batten and a small hot point to burn the sail for a small hole. Then tie with string. Works every time crazy Dave
Thanks
Thanks for the info. Both my wife and I were sure that everything was okay when the sail went up. It probably was the topping lift that got us. Sail and learn.
Thanks for the info. Both my wife and I were sure that everything was okay when the sail went up. It probably was the topping lift that got us. Sail and learn.
boat stability
Any comments on how the boat sailed in a breeze? What were the wind speeds? Was the boat tender?
Any comments on how the boat sailed in a breeze? What were the wind speeds? Was the boat tender?
Batten Thief
At least you caught the thief. My battens just showed up missing from time to time. We just put a couple of stitches in the velcro to help it out too. You might as well keep a spool of thread, a big needle, razor blade, and several sail sliders on board. They'll be needed sooner or later. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
At least you caught the thief. My battens just showed up missing from time to time. We just put a couple of stitches in the velcro to help it out too. You might as well keep a spool of thread, a big needle, razor blade, and several sail sliders on board. They'll be needed sooner or later. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
I'm not sure
I'm really not a very good reference for a critique of this boat. I've just started sailing and haven't much experience on anything other than this boat. So far most of the days that my wife and I have sailed the wind has been only 5-10mph (just the way she likes it!) though we did have one white knuckle day with wind gusts to 25mph and above. That's the day we lost the batten. At this point I pay more attention to the look of panic on my wife's face to determine what to do next when the wind is really blowing. I think the 212 is much more stable in a strong wind than she is.... Sorry I could be more informative but I'm still having a good time.
I'm really not a very good reference for a critique of this boat. I've just started sailing and haven't much experience on anything other than this boat. So far most of the days that my wife and I have sailed the wind has been only 5-10mph (just the way she likes it!) though we did have one white knuckle day with wind gusts to 25mph and above. That's the day we lost the batten. At this point I pay more attention to the look of panic on my wife's face to determine what to do next when the wind is really blowing. I think the 212 is much more stable in a strong wind than she is.... Sorry I could be more informative but I'm still having a good time.
Batten all better.
I got some replacement batten stock from WestMarine Online. Thanks you for all your great advice.
I got some replacement batten stock from WestMarine Online. Thanks you for all your great advice.
212
See the Doyle batten instruction sheet. Is your boat especially tender? Does the rudder pop up?
See the Doyle batten instruction sheet. Is your boat especially tender? Does the rudder pop up?
RE:212
I'm really just starting to get comfortable with the boat. Went out yesterday with my wife and my father in-law. He is a sailing buff and was a good source of info on sail trimming and heeling characteristics. He also is fairly portly so provided some extra ballast on the windward side of the boat. I really can't give you an answer on whether the boat is tender as I don't have anything to compare it to (new to sailing). I have noticed that in a good gust, the boat heels fairly quickly but seems to reach a certain point and hold there. Previously I had brought the boat back down prior to reaching this point, but with encouragement from my father in-law on my last sail, I let the boat ride where it wanted and it was fairly stable after getting to that point. I haven't noticed any problem with my rudder popping up. Doesn't your tiller have a jam cleat for the rudder lowering rope?
I'm really just starting to get comfortable with the boat. Went out yesterday with my wife and my father in-law. He is a sailing buff and was a good source of info on sail trimming and heeling characteristics. He also is fairly portly so provided some extra ballast on the windward side of the boat. I really can't give you an answer on whether the boat is tender as I don't have anything to compare it to (new to sailing). I have noticed that in a good gust, the boat heels fairly quickly but seems to reach a certain point and hold there. Previously I had brought the boat back down prior to reaching this point, but with encouragement from my father in-law on my last sail, I let the boat ride where it wanted and it was fairly stable after getting to that point. I haven't noticed any problem with my rudder popping up. Doesn't your tiller have a jam cleat for the rudder lowering rope?
212
Yes, but the system of raising/lowering the rudder balde seems ineffective. Another sailing issue: dangerous lee helm with jib only. Try sailing with the jib only and take your father-in-law along. The boat will not tack with jib only: it falls off to leeward.
Yes, but the system of raising/lowering the rudder balde seems ineffective. Another sailing issue: dangerous lee helm with jib only. Try sailing with the jib only and take your father-in-law along. The boat will not tack with jib only: it falls off to leeward.
I agree
I agree with you there. There is so little mechanical advantage when lowering or raising the rudder, I usually do it with one hand in the water on the blade. Next time I sail, I'll try tacking with the jib only and see what you're referring to. I usually roll the jib out last and roll it in first so I wouldn't have noticed that. Thanks for the tip.
I agree with you there. There is so little mechanical advantage when lowering or raising the rudder, I usually do it with one hand in the water on the blade. Next time I sail, I'll try tacking with the jib only and see what you're referring to. I usually roll the jib out last and roll it in first so I wouldn't have noticed that. Thanks for the tip.
direct contact
if you want to reach me directly: email@michaelsmorris.com the 212 isn't set up for open bay sailing.
if you want to reach me directly: email@michaelsmorris.com the 212 isn't set up for open bay sailing.
- Status