Shopping for new sails for a 2004 323 with in-mast furling. I have two questions: (1) can I put a main with vertical battens on this (older) boat? If yes, any pluses and minuses for these sails when compared to mains without battens (I now have the latter)? (2) I have contacted a number of the major sail makers for quotes and I have discovered that each quote is unique in one way or another and this makes comparing them somewhat difficult. Any suggestions that might help me choose a source for my sails (the boat's current sails are Neil Pryde). Thanks!
recommendation for new sails for Beneteau 323
- Thread starter new323owner
- Start date
We have vertical battens with our in mast roller furling. Our model is newer than yours so I don't know if there were any changes to the furler design to better accommodate the battens. Neil Pryde says that the battens allow for about half of the sail area lost to roller furling to be recovered. We did lose a batten and the leech was quite unstable until we replaced it, so we wouldn't be able to carry that sail without them. It's still noticeably under powered in light air, so not what you want in a race, but usable.
Thanks for the information. I, too, wonder if the mast had to be modified (after my mast was manufactured) to accommodate the vertical battens. I guess that that information will be forthcoming by others' comments. I will contact US Spars about the matter.
I have an '06 Ben 343 with the original Neil Pryde sails that had vertical battens in the main. Three years ago, I had the sail modified by Neil Pryde to include the new thinner battens and pockets without Velcro closures. I removed the main furler and cleaned the bearings and reassembled. Also replaced the furling line. Haven't had a problem with unfurling & furling since. Very satisfied with the results. The Neil Pryde loft in Houston did the modifications for me. Here is the contact info:
Cameron Sails, Seabrook, TX . Phone 281-326-5566. He has a good working knowledge of Beneteau / US Spar furlers as well as Neil Pryde Sails.
Cameron Sails, Seabrook, TX . Phone 281-326-5566. He has a good working knowledge of Beneteau / US Spar furlers as well as Neil Pryde Sails.
Thanks for an informative answer. I have a quote from Neil Pryde that probably has the new thinner battens and pockets without Velcro. By the way, do you need the cabin-top winch to open and close the sail?
Is that documented in the manual anywhere? We've needed the winch and handle to furl the main since day one. Unfurling we wrap the outhaul around the winch but don't need the handle until the last foot or so.
Just to confirm: yes, any new aftermarket main with vertical battens will have the re-engineered pockets that are much, much thinner than the original style.
bob pattison
Davidasailor26,
A couple things that might help with the furling.
1. The angle of the boom makes a big difference. We raise the boom up to reduce the angle with the mast.
2. We put in a new Sparcraft boomcar with ball bearings. Huge difference.
3. We unfurl when directly in the wind
4. Flush the furler drum well to clean out dirt, spiders, etc (after 18 years, we have never taken the drum apart, but that is on our list for next year)
5. It unfurls better too if you furl it in better. We like to furl it in when the boat is pretty much into the wind and make sure the furling is snug and without folds.
Just some ideas. We never use a winch...
Chris
A couple things that might help with the furling.
1. The angle of the boom makes a big difference. We raise the boom up to reduce the angle with the mast.
2. We put in a new Sparcraft boomcar with ball bearings. Huge difference.
3. We unfurl when directly in the wind
4. Flush the furler drum well to clean out dirt, spiders, etc (after 18 years, we have never taken the drum apart, but that is on our list for next year)
5. It unfurls better too if you furl it in better. We like to furl it in when the boat is pretty much into the wind and make sure the furling is snug and without folds.
Just some ideas. We never use a winch...
Chris
I have an 02 b311 with us spars in mast furling. Last year purchased cruising laminate from uk sails vertical battens. Furls great, performs very well. My wife estimates 1 to 1.5 kt improvement in 10 kts of wind. The sail is Dimension Polyant cxi,received nice discount at Annapolis boat show, craig