Batten Tension

I'm new to Hobies - just got a used Hobie 16 and have been using these forums and various manuals, videos, and guides I can find online to learn how to set up the boat for sail and to learn about the different parts, lines, etc.

My main sail came with battens in place. They stick out several inches from the sail. I haven't inspected them closely yet so I don't know if they're tight or loose or what. Two things I read on this forum are, 1) don't leave the battens tight when the sail is in storage as it could stretch it out, and 2) if you're having trouble raising the main, reduce tension in the battens.

The process of changing the tension appears to require untying the strings that hold them in and retying them with more or less tension. That seems like a lot of work - is that correct? Secondly, since my understanding is you want a certain tension while sailing, how can you loosen them to raise the main? There's no way to retighten them once the sail is up unless you've got a lift, right?

Thanks for any tips - I'm very excited about taking my boat out for the first time, but I have so much to learn still!

You can get the more-modern caps that have a cleat molded into the end. No knots required.

You just need to keep tension at a minimum for hoisting. Just take the vertical wrinkles out of each pocket. but some racers tension after hoisting by flipping the boat on it's side.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)