Missing Batten - OK without It?

[forsailbyowner]

Take heart warming trend is in forecast. We've had 3 cold fronts this week in Tampa. Supposed to be looking at low 70s in coming week, should be 80s your way.

[colemj]

Mark,

I just spent some time under sail looking at that batten end trying to figure out why that one is chafing and not the others. The reason it is chafing is that the batten end brushes against the mast each time the sail tacks. Can't believe we have owned this boat for 7 years and just noticed that, but it hits high up and just by a bit. I would simply reinforce the end of the pocket and watch it regularly over time for need of maintenance.

Mark

[markpj23]

I've been scratching my head over the same thing - thanks for the tip! Only my top batten has this problem also...

[s/v Jedi]

Look/search for UHDM tape. This is a plastic much like Starboard or Delrin but very thin, hence the word "tape". Works magic for chafing protection on sails.

cheers,
Nick.