Jib battens

The battens on my jib always get clipped on the jib halyard and the sail stays clipped until it suddenly lets go with a violent BANG that scares the crap out of everyone on the boat! This isn't a problem in high winds, but since the resevoir that I sail in is smack in the middle of very big city, I don't see high winds very often. Are jib battens really that important? Would performance decrease dramatically if they were to be removed?

Thanks!

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'72 Hobie 16
with
#56 Gonzo Nationals

If you are not racing and since you are not seeing that much wind where you sail anyway I wouldn't worry about removing them from the jib. You will see a difference but it shouldn't be that huge. If it slows you down too much you can always put them back!

bud 65135

Alright thanks!!

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'72 Hobie 16
with
#56 Gonzo Nationals

I would definitely NOT remove them. The jib will flog and probably rip itself apart. Just cut a little off of the batten so it doesn't stick out as much. Make sure that you tension them before measuring them. You can also install a small block up near the jib halyard block that will pull the halyard aft. There is also the SSI Super jib battens that work OK. Check catalog.

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Sail Revolution
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I guess its possible but I've been sailing in Daytona Beach for over 10 years with 20 knot winds at times and i've never had battens in my jib sail and although it will occasionally flap its usually in raising and lowering or because its not trimmed properly. My jib sail is original with the boat. '81.

I use Super Battens and they are a good compromise.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

A sail loft local to me recommends re-cutting the leech of the jib. He cuts a little off the leech then hems the edge. Then just take a couple inches off the battens and it no longer gets hung up on the halyards. The loss in square footage of sail area is so small that you wont notice, and you get to keep the battens in the sail so it can have good shape.

I haven't done this to my jib yet but I've talked to others who have with good results. This obviously isn't class legal for racing, (even though it should slow you down) but for just recreational sailing, it makes things much easier.

I would take the dealers advice and try to trim them before removing them all together. He would obviously have more experience with this issue than I. I am just getting back into sailing and was looking to purchase some jib battens. I'll probably check out the "super battens" per the Jman6631's suggestion.
Good Luck!

Superbattens are 100% the way to go. You'll never realize your jib is flipping across the mast when you come about...it just happens. May be giving up some sail shape/stiffness/performance, but it's worth not ever having to think about your jib again. (I don't race, just like to get great rides in 10-25mph winds)

Here's a great picture showing a roller furling jib laying on top of a regular jib. It shows the comparison really well and could be sent to a loft as a go-by. For what it's worth....

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak- ... 8083_n.jpg

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'