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Buying new battens on an F36

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 10:40 pm
by steve
I'm located in the Virgin Islands and lost 3 battens out of the main while racing in a local regatta a few weeks ago.

I have a 1986 Freedom 36 and lost the bottom 3 battens. It's a long story, but once that first one popped, the other two followed within about a minute and flew out like spears...

Does anyone know the original sizes and a good source for the battens? I doubt there's one locally, but I have a freight forwarder in Florida I can use to get them shipped (once I have them sourced)...

Thanks.

Re: Buying new battens on an F36

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:19 pm
by Belanich
Hi Steve,
I would go to a sailmaker. The length and size of the battens can differ slightly depending on the particular sail. Also they are so long that the shipping cost will be high so it is better to go to a sailmaker that buys them in bulk. I had a similar problem on my F38. The sailmaker said the battens were too short and too thin (they were replaced by the previous owner).
Michael Belanich
Dolcetto, F38 #65

Re: Buying new battens on an F36

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 3:46 pm
by Camino
Hi - battens are shipped coiled tightly - usually with a stern warning to be highly careful in cutting the bands holding the coil due to spring-back.

Unrelated question-- how is your sail cover fixed to your cf mast - snaps (with screws into the mast?).

Thanks and good luck

Re: Buying new battens on an F36

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 5:37 pm
by mike cunningham
I had a very similar experience with my number 2 batten.

I used robichaud batten systems in hood river, Oregon. They are on the web.

They use battens which do not roll but they have an ingenious sleeve snap system which allows them to break the batten into two or three lengths for UPS shipment. It is very secure and is not noticeable when rigged.

If interested, call them, they seem to have many boats in their files. Other poster is correct. Good measuring will be required.

BTW, I had my sail repair guy beef up batten restraints to reduce risk in future. I also drilled the ends of the lower three so I can directly secure them with a lanyard.


Mike

Re: Buying new battens on an F36

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2016 11:19 am
by Kimber
Steve,
I would suggest you contact Quantum sails on St Thomas https://www.quantumsails.com/lofts/usvi They are located behind the large cemetery. If it were me I would go there with the sail so that the batten can be cut to proper length and perhaps Joe will be able to provide a solution so that your battens don't accidentally come out again in the future. I don't have any suggestions for St Croix other than to sail here or to the BVI for new battens. Good Luck.

Re: Buying new battens on an F36

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2016 8:35 pm
by steve
Camino wrote:Hi - battens are shipped coiled tightly - usually with a stern warning to be highly careful in cutting the bands holding the coil due to spring-back.

Unrelated question-- how is your sail cover fixed to your cf mast - snaps (with screws into the mast?).

Thanks and good luck
The sail cover is not fixed to the mast. There is a separate piece of canvass zipped to the sail cover on both sides where it aligns with the boom and mast. Basically a rectangular piece of canvass with a zip at either end.

There is a Lazy Jack close to the mast that provides the support for both.

Cheers