MacGregorSailors.com

From the research I have done, it appears that a full batten main has a number of benefits like longer sail life due to virtually eliminating flogging and maintaining better sail shape. I am wondering, however, what the drawbacks are. I assume there must be a down-side, otherwise all sails would have full battens.

Leon

Weight of the battens is one of the drawbacks.

Right, the weight is a downside. Last time I talked to Doyle they said they could do what they called a 2 X 4. The top 2 battens being full offering the benifit of less flapping and the bottom 2 being normal so the total weight is less than a totally full batten setup.

The downsides are that they cost a bit more, and weigh a smidge more.

The reason you don't see more include the following:
1. cost
2. larger full batten sails require slugs, and if big enough, batcars which is more expensive and weighs more
3. racers try to avoid the extra couple of pounds, but the bigger the roach the more need for full battens. Without the battens the roach will fall into itself.
4. It is a bit more work for sail lofts to do full batten sails, and if you don't have someone who really understands them you get a not quite great sail. Battens are supposed to give support to the sail allowing it to follow it's designed shape, not to force a shape. Many don't understand that difference and put in battens that are too stiff, too big, or not the right type for the sail's needs, and the sail becomes shaped by the battens not the sail's inherent shape due to cut. So now you have sail reps talking about how full battens are bad, ruin "true" sailshape, etc, rather than deal with the extra care it takes to make a good full batten sail. (Ok, I'll step down from my soapbox now)

The 2+ method is the current style to help keep the roach up high from collapsing without breaking the budget or drive the sailmakers insane.

Tripp Gal,

Is it safe to say that a loft like Sail Warehouse, North, UK, or Doyle would make a quality full-bat sail? Also, would the swept back spreaders of the Mac be an issue when the main is let out to the spreaders & shrouds? Thanks.

Leon

More than the brand, it's about the designer. I've seen good and bad full battened sails come out from the big 4 and it all came down to who did the design and spec work.

There are some lofts that specialize in full battened sails, and interestingly enough it's the Kiwis who make some of the best looking full-battened mains I've seen. They really "get-it" when it comes to the philosophy of support vs. shape.

As to the swept spreaders, it's generally not any more of a problem with full battens as it is with partials. Rule of thumb has usually been, if you have swept spreaders chances are your boat shouldn't be sailing DDW.

Any body try the mainsails from blue water yachts?

I am most interested in the 5 oz full batten sails.

The roach is moderate. The price is good, anybody with an opinion on

quality. I plan on using Lee sails at www.leesailsNE.com if I don't get the above mainsail
from blue water yachts. Also they have great desktop downloads...FREE!

Interesting article

http://www.sailnet.com/collections/arti ... =hancoc003

www.LeesailsNE.com


Lee sails quote a mainsail with 5.93 Dacron Short standard battens one reef point for 795 with 25 dollar shipping. If I order soon I can get a 75 dollar discount.

For 75 dollars more they will do max roach job.