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battens

Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:44 pm
by bg5w
I recently had my main repaired as needed, after an inspection by a sail loft indicated still in pretty good shape. I decided to replace the battens with stiffer ones.
When installing the new ones of the same length, they are sticking out of the pocket at the leach by an inch. Question - is the luff end of the batten installed up against the car, or are the two car halves loosened, and the forward end of the batten inserted into the car? This would make the car and batten a single unit at the luff.

thoughts?

Bob Gruber
Island Time 32

Re: battens

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2018 1:05 pm
by thinwater
Pictures. This depends on the hardware style. But yes, there should be some sort of pocket in the hardware that it fits into. Otherwise, it will soon cut its way through the cloth.

You also need a good way to apply some compression. It is the cloth tension that supports the roach.

Re: battens

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 11:23 am
by Phenix-former-owner
My battens slide into the car at the luff, then they are held in place (compressed) at the leech by a velcro strap (similar to what is described here: http://www.leesails.com/velcro.htm).

As thinwater points out, it is important that the batten slide into the car at the luff. Otherwise, you will get chafe there and a properly-sized batten will protrude out the pocket at the leech.

Re: battens

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2018 11:04 am
by bg5w
as follow- up, the battens slid readily into the cars when I had a helper. Simply a two-man job. Sail shape was improved considerably.

bob gruber
island time 32