Batten Question

[Khagan1227]

Ok, so I knew when I bought the boat the main sail no longer had battens and since I can't find out what the original battens were, I figured I'd go ahead and purchase a set of Recmar Plastream and put them in.

The aerotek sails that came with the boat have no grommets to tie the battens in, no flaps to hold them in, and they aren't held in place using a mechanical fastner. So I'm thinking of putting elastic over the batten pockets, or is there another way to hold the battens in place so they don't work their way out?

It is probably a big surprise to no one that I'm having to repair the batten pockets and the seam along the leach.

Keith

[boatman61]

Get some 1" wide canvas ribbon... about 6"/pocket and some stick n sew velcro...
Stitch the ribbon to the outside of the pocket with velcro attached to other end of ribbon... and stick the stick on bit about 2 - 3" down from the end of the batten... attach so the ribbon goes over the end of the batten.
Hope that made sense... sorta...

[GordMay]

To tell the truth, I’m somewhat confused by this detailed & illustrated explanation. Hopefully, that’s just me.
See ➥ Lee Sails: Guide to batten pocket closed by Velcro strap

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by GordMay

To tell the truth, I’m somewhat confused by this detailed & illustrated explanation. Hopefully, that’s just me.
See ➥ Lee Sails: Guide to batten pocket closed by Velcro strap

Thats the one... mine's the cheapskate version outa the sewing bag....

[daddle]

Originally Posted by Khagan1227

The aerotek sails that came with the boat have no grommets to tie the battens in, no flaps to hold them in, and they aren't held in place using a mechanical fastner.

Well! That rather explains why there are no battens. I'd sew them in. Unless you plan on removing and folding the sail often. Stitch a couple of layers of sailcloth over the end of the pocket. Sew them in tightly...no slack in the batten. Very heavy thread.

Making a proper velcro closure is rather complicated.

[Khagan1227]

Originally Posted by daddle

Well! That rather explains why there are no battens. I'd sew them in. Unless you plan on removing and folding the sail often. Stitch a couple of layers of sailcloth over the end of the pocket. Sew them in tightly...no slack in the batten. Very heavy thread.

Making a proper velcro closure is rather complicated.

My idea was similar to Boatman and Gord's, just using elastic to hold them in vice velcro. However, sewing does seem simplier. I can't think of a reason I'd need to take the battens back out. I plan on repairing the damage to the pockets, then reinforcing them with another layer of repair tape, so I think I'll try the sewing idea first, then if that becomes and issue, I can always try it the other way.

In any case, thanks for the help guys!

Keith