cruising main

[phil416]

       A s departure time approached, I decided to purchase a new main for the trip.  Everyone had a suggestion ot two.  After much debate I decided on a loose footed, battenless main.  Somerset Sails made a lovely one.  So how did it work out.  Better than I expected.  I sailed reefed for better than 70% of the time. The sail held up well and was easy to hoist  and lower.  For me the kiss principle held true once more.  Phil   

[Piraten]

Why did you go battenless?  Just curious.

[CharlieJ]

Can't speak for Phil, but I can tell you why I've gone battenless on every cruising boat I've had.

Because they are a royal PITA on a cruising boat. Without, you can raise and lower sail on any heading without being concerned about them hanging on shrouds, etc. You can also do a fast, dirty tie up on the boom without having to force battens straight and flat.

A properly cut battenless sail is really a good thing, since we aren't trying to beat some SA rule. We don't have to tolerate them.  ;)

[phil416]

Piraten;  I second all of Charlies points, and in addition battens cause stress risers in the sail shortening life.  They only provide an advantage in light airs ( f2 or less), and that can be compensated with a drifter.  I carry a 1.5 oz nylon 175 for winds f-2 or less.  The biggest drawback to a battenless main is finding a sailmaker who beleives in the concept.  I sold a Northern 25 with a battenless main to a fellow in Virginia several years ago and he loves it.  If you must have battens mabe goiing whole hog is  the best answer.  I look forward to more input on this subject.   Phil

[CharlieJ]

A good friend of ours cruised a while on a boat with full battens.

Hated them.

Heavy to hoist, MUST turn head to wind to raise or lower or the cars would bind.

I suppose they work but for me the added hassle of that would sure put me off. Just more to go wrong.

Oh- and a sail maker told me once that a goodly portion of his business was repairing ripped out batten pockets.

I'll stay battenless, thank you :D

[Captain Smollett]

  The biggest drawback to a battenless main is finding a sailmaker who beleives in the concept.

Port Townsend Sails is a believer in the concept, and they have outfitted some rather famous cruising boats (from small to large).  Their client list is quite impressive, and they actively PUSH battenless and loose footed main designs.

Sailcare will make battenless sails without batting an eye, so I guess one could say they are believers as well.  You do, however, have to specify battenless as they default to a standard partial batten main.

[s/v Faith]

I will be the lone voice of descent.  ;D

Hardly a fan of the trends (I would not trade my Alberg drawn full keel, tiller steered boat)...

But.

I LOVE my full batten main.

It raises and lowers more easily then the partial batten main it replaced.  No more friction then main sails on other boats I have sailed.

If your battens twist you need to fire your sail maker.... there is no need for this problem.

I do not have, nor desire lazy jacks, the battens make stowing the sail neatly much easier.

Sail shape is EASY to get, and maintain.....    


The problems with batten pockets are more a product of 'partial battens' then with full.  Partial battens have a point where they end.. in the midst of the sail.  That is going to produce chafe... a properly made full batten sail need not cause problems.



I have no objection to battenless sails, but don't want this to become a 'drink the battenless cool aid' thread.  There are good reasons many (most) boats have full batten mains.

We need to be careful.  We don't want to get so caught up in our 'counterculture' positions that we start to sound like those who write magazine articles that say our boats are not fit to leave sight of land.  ::)

Some will say it is a 'racer' thing.. I don't have ANY roach in my main... Carl actually drew some roach, I did away with it... BUT if you wanted more sail area, full battens can get it... but certainly are not the only reason to have them.




There are good arguments for both sides, my point in this thread is to say that there are other considerations to the discussion.

[Captain Smollett]

I LOVE my full batten main.

Is it fair to say, like most things with boats, that not all full batten mains are created equal?

[phil416]

SV Faith;  Thanks for your input. This is exactly the type of Point counterpoint that I hoped to provoke.  Others contemplating a new main now have more to think about.  As for counter culture, that is not part of my thought process ever.  I go strictly with what works and usually at the least expense.    Fair Winds Phil

[s/v Faith]

I LOVE my full batten main.

Is it fair to say, like most things with boats, that not all full batten mains are created equal?

It would seem to me that not all sails are created equal, my main was made by Omar sails,   Paul has been doing this stuff for over 30 years so yes, it is well made.

BTW, he is right there in Beaufort, so if you are ever looking for someone in the neighborhood...

(I know I have posted his info here in the past)....