tpdavis473 wrote:
What did your friend suggest? If you tighten them too much, the battens won't reverse in light breeze when you tack. Also, since your boat is boomless, the hole you put the mainsheet in will also affect the way the battens look. On my boat, the mainsail had an enormous amount of camber compared to boomed sails-which also probably appeared different to your friend. My "rule of thumb" for batten tension is to put a little tension (snug plus a 1/2" per linear batten yard) on light wind days; then on normal or high wind days, double that. Basically you should feel nearly the same tension on all the battens.
If you've been sailing the boat since 2007, though, you probably know already what "looks and feels" right, right?
He wasnt sure as the sails set differently to other Hobies with booms and outhauls, so he suggested the forum. I generally set the mainsheet in the last hole when light winds and middle when blowing.
I'll be more diligent and try your settings on batten tension in the future.
I've only been sailing for 2 years. Bought the boat second hand.
Thanks for replying