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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Full Batten Main Questions

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megrier
1st Mate

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USA
55 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/30/2004 : 10:04:09

I have heard that full batten mains are very difficult to raise and lower. The issue seems to be that regular sail slugs will not slide freely with the added wieght of the full battens. I was told that you need cars with rollers instead of sail slugs. I have never heard of or seen cars with rollers.

Also, I was told that full batten mains are not as efficient in light air because they tend to stay too flat.

Does anyone have any experience or comments on these issues?

Thanks!

Edited by - on

rclift
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 10:51:14

Having changed from a partially battened main to full battens I found no difference in how the sail set. Replacing mast head sheeves and lubricating the sail slot may make it easier to raise and lower. The major benefit of full battens is in lighter air where the battens keep the sail in a more efficient shape.

Edited by - on

matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 11:42:10

The full batten main will go up/down just as easy as the original partial batten main without any special slugs, at least on our sized boats. The full battens will also extend the life of your mainsail.

Edited by - on

Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 14:49:41

I bought a fully-battened main from Catalina Direct and love it. It has excellent shape in light air, and there's no issue with raising or lowering it. It's got a bit more sail area than my stock main.

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 15:20:08

I have two full battens at the top of my new main, and partials below. I've discovered that the full batten has to be raised and lowered pretty much dead into the wind -- any significant sideways pressure on the slug will make it hang. Other than that, it's terrific.

Brooke

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 15:36:04

My full batten raises and lowers off the wind with no problem. In light air you can even retention the battens to build a deeper pocket into the sail. In other words your advise was not appropriate to our boats. (40 ft boats have the cars and they are very cool.)

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nate
Navigator

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240 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 16:46:45

I agree with all above. The full battens on a C25 mainsail aren't heavy enough to warrant cars that aid in setting the sail. I have a FB mail from Ullman that is awesome....I even went up a size (1/2") in sail slugs (because I was tired of breaking the cheap plastic ones in heavier air) and I've had no problems with the sail binding in the track.

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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 16:55:29

Full battens, on boats like ours, present none of the problems of which you were told, in fact, they offer many advantages as stated above. I'm enjoying my second season with my loose footed, full battened, Ullman main and its a terrific sail. You get a more efficient shape in light air, excellent sail shape control, and the sail won't flog itself to death when you motor into the wind. Raising and lowering the sail presents no problem at all.

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megrier
1st Mate

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USA
55 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 17:07:48

Thanks you guys!

It sure is nice to get some feedback like this before you jump in to something!

Greg

Edited by - on

frogger
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
184 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 20:12:24

It makes a huge difference if you lubricate the sail slugs with a silicone lubricant. You should have no problem raising/lowering unless something is binding.

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 22:19:58

I find that with my full batten main that I have to be head to wind to hoist otherwise the batten slugs jam. It's also easy to get a batten stuck under the spreader. Having said that, I wouldn't have any other form of mainsail.
Derek

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roberoo
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
182 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2004 : 22:54:54

I changed to a full batten main this year. I have lazy jacks and they get hung up if I not in irons. But I wouldn't change it for anything it makes sailing in light wind much easier for me.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.