How important are jib battens?

I picked up a used Hobie 16 last fall, got one sail in before winter and all seemed well.

The sails were shot, so I picked up a non class legal main and jib cheap, so I won't be racing.

The boat didn't come with any battens for the jib. What happens if I just skip them?

How much of a performance hit? Would it not be good for the sail? Too much lee helm?

TIA

Hard to say on a non-OEM sail since the cut may be different. But on the OEM jib, running without the battens would not be a good idea. The leech (back edge of the sail) depends on the battens for support. Without battens, the leech will flutter excessively, which will affect performance, be a major nuisance, and damage the sail. Also, without battens, the jib will flog on the beach, which will degrade the sail prematurely.

sm

What about the Cats setup with a furler? No battens in those?

The shape (outline) of the jib on those boatsis designed to work without battens - there is less “roach,” which is the material along the trailing edge of the sail. The original Hobie 16 jib is designed with battens and needs them to support the roach, otherwise that extra material will flap and flutter excessively. The furling jib for the 16 is specifically designed to work without battens - it is smaller (less roach), so that it doesn’t flutter.

Bottom line - if the sail was designed with battens, then it needs them to provide proper support to the sail fabric and prevent fluttering. If you don’t want to use the battens, then you will probably need a different sail or have the existing one re-cut.

sm

Since you are not racing you can pretty much use whatever fits in the pocket as a batten. A 2x4 can be ripped on a table saw into thin strips, which then can be covered in strapping tape or packaging tape. This is probably the best budget option. Plenty of other options exist. So long as you don't go too stiff it will be an improvement on no battens at all.

You will also need to add the bit that holds the end of the batten into the sail. I make mine out of duck tape.

And remember, If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

In Michigan they sell these nice 1/4" fiberglass rods to stick in the ground along your driveway in the winter. They are cheap, like $2-3 each. I haven't needed to try it yet, but keep thinking they would be usable as jib battens in a pinch. They might not be long enough for the longest one, I think they are 42" long.

I have a spare sail, but it's cut a little different from my original and I had to cut down some of the battens. As a result, I am keeping my eye out for a reasonably priced set of used battens.

Good luck,

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Steve
2017 Hobie 16 "Cayman" sails 114795
1985 & 1973? Hobie 14 "Sea & Ski"

I had the same thought about those driveway markers. They come in 2 slightly different diameters, so you have options when it comes to flex. If I recall correctly you have to sand one end down a bit to fit into the plastic pocket on the sail.

I like Hobie's "super jib battens".

Although they may not be "class legal", for those of us who do not "officially" race, they sure make it a lot easier to tack in lighter wind when sailing solo.

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

Well, Saturday we had really high winds, Constant 16 mph with gust upwards of 25-30. Buddy and I went out for a few minutes and the winds were constantly gusting. Almost like a strobe effect! We came in, dropped the main and left the jib....... Learned a good lesson. After a while he noticed something and went over and start lowering the jib. I went to help, and noticed a batten on the ground. Then realized that 3 battens had come out. With fluttering caused the strings to fray and break. No big deal, but now missing one of the rivits/button eyelets. He is going to install a new one this week..... We went out later with out the battens, The Jib does not make as much power without the battens and what a racket!!!!!!!!!!!!!