Jib Battens

I am very new to sailing and I recently purchased an 84' Hobie cat 16 and the jib does not have any battens and it flaps loud enough that other sailors are looking my way saying, "what the hell is that rookie doing?" The man I bought the boat from claims he won several races with the boat as is. Do I need battens in my jib? Should I be proud of the loud flapping as my boys and I make our way across the lake?

Newest Newbie,

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Duke

Are there pockets for the battens? It would be VERY floppy on a jib designed for battens... you would need battens. The boat will perform much better.

There is a "rec" or "furling" jib that is smaller and does not require battens. That may flutter when windy if stretched out.

It is also possible to set up the jib incorrectly. The attachment of the clew blocks, if set to low in the 5 hole adjuster, can open up / loosen the leech and allow flutter.

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

Thanks for your reply Matt.

Yes, there are pockets for battens. Are there different types of battens? What type should I buy? Like I said, I am a extreme newbie!!!!

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Duke

We have two types in the catalog. On is the standard used for racing and the other is softer to help the jib tack easier.

Both are shown in the catalog. Order from any dealer.

http://www.hobiecat.com/sailing/accessories.html

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