Battens

OK I'm about done with my repairs (thanks to you all) and looking forward to my first sail next weekend.

I'm a bit baffled by the battens though. My old Alacrity didn't have 'em so I guess I need a primer.

The guy included half a dozen or so of different sizes, although I question if they are all really there. So, perhaps you all can help shed some light...

1. I assume the battens help the sail keep shape, are they really neccessary? If so, should they be use in all conditions or just light wind?

2. Assuming I don't have a full set, where should I apply them first (until I can complete the set). For instance, at the bottom working my way up the jib, or perhaps at the top of the main sheet, working down until I run out?

3. Should I pick up batten ends, or just ducktape em?

The battens are necessary for two reasons - most importantly, they support the roach of the sail (the curve of the sail that sticks out beyond the direct line from head to clew) and they provide some control over the draft (belly) of the sail (both the amount of and position of maximum draft fore and aft).

There are 12 battens on the Hobie 16 - 8 in the main and 4 in the jib.

Jib battens are thinner and narrower than the main battens. Main battens have a hump on either side that makes them stiffer. This hump is sanded off on the inner end of the upper battens to make them more flexible.

Start with the longest battens and work your way up the sail. Insert them into the pocket and make sure they seat properly into the luff caps (the white plastic part next to the mast). Not seating them will allow them to "back up" and poke through the sail cloth.

Most sailors will trim off the excess batten from the leech end so that they only stick out about 1 1/2" (main) and less than 1" (jib).

End caps are not 100% necessary, but they do allow you to apply and release tension on the battens easily. The sail will strech out if you leave the batten tension on for an extended period of time (weeks).

Thanks a bunch!

Do many other boats use sail battens like the hobie? I'm a bit surprised this is my first run in.

Most sails have battens. But until relatively recently, full battens (battens that extend from the luff to the leach) were not the norm. Our sail loft builds a bunch of full battened sails for cruising monohulls these days.

Brian C

Interesting.

Now that I think about it, I'm on the wrong track. My Alacrity did have battens, they just didn't extend the width of the sail (as you said) and they are not near as rigid.

I've never been accused of being over observant.

Check out the latest in sailing tech (in monoslugs that is) the America's Cup boats. All sporting squaretop mains, fully battened.
There is a really good article on batten tuning I found on one of the Cat sights, sorry, not in my head right now, but it involves tuning the location of the curve to the proper position by sanding the battens in the forward third to make them more flexible and produce a parabolic curve that apexes in the 35-45% range of the sail.
Batten tension adjustment also allows you to tune for conditions by adjusting the draft.

Very interesting, I'm going to have to start paying more attention.

The article under DIY in www.thebeachcats.com by Kim Miller. From an engineering standpoint this article really makes sense. I'm getting new sails this week and will be tuning my battens accordingly.

OK I finally finished my 16, so I need to revisit this as my maiden voyage is Sat.

I got out the sails and spread them out on the lawn. I also got our the hodge-podge of battens I got with the 16 and laid them out as well. It turns out I have a couple issues:

1. Small tear in the sail (not through the sail, only on one side) where it looks like a batten caught. I have some nylon tent repair patches, think that would work, or should I look for something spec for sails?

2. Missing a batten pocket but it looks as though it just came undone instead of ripping out. I assume I can just replace easy enough. but this will keep me from using the 2nd batten up on the main

3. I am missing several battens, 3rd one up on the main, and the top 3 on the jib.

So this brings me to my main question. Should I sail with the battens I have and if not, what issues can I expect if I sail without the battens?

I hate to say it, but I'm afraid replacing the missing battens might be a few trips to the lake away.

By the way if you didn't take a drink everytime the word batten was used in this thread you have to chug a beer ; )

That's the most serious thing - missing a batten pocket? The batten pockets in the main are created by overlapping the sail panels. If one side of the pocket is unstitched, that's a serious structural issue that needs to be addressed before you even hoist the sail.

Sounds like a trip to the sail repair shop is in order. They can take care of your other issues, too.

You can sail with the battens missing, but it will be hard on the sails (flogging).

I suggest you get the sails fixed first, and get the battens you need while the sails are in the shop.

Sorry bad terminology...Not the pocket but the "BATTEN POCKET END PROTECTOR".

Do most of the part shops offer individual battens, I just can't afford to spend anymore on my Hobie right now, so I need a cheap fix. Or a good divorce lawyer.

Think I found what I need, cancel my last question.

You can sail without the batten pocket end protector - without the batten.

It keeps the batten from poking though the sail.



Yes - I just bought a couple for my 14. The longer ones in the main are about $35/$40 each. Others are considerably cheaper.

A dealer might have some used ones, too.

Ugg, I'm going to have to beg my dealer I guess.

I see several jib sets for about 30 bucks though, that's not bad. I just need to track down the one I'm missing for my main and I'm in good shape.

Looks like I need some caps as well, the ends of several of the ones I have are clearly split.

Thanks for the replies!