Mainsail-three-quarter battens?

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RobBrown

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I am in process of getting quotes for a replacement cruising mainsail and looking to add a stack pack & lazy jacks (for the first time). From general reading here & elsewhere, I got the idea that a fully battened main would be good with such a set up, but that given extra costs involved & poss problems with these on older boats, a good compromise would be 3/4 battens. However, in getting quotes from sailmakers, a clear split in opinions as to whether 3/4s worthwhile- some such as Kemps, actually promote for older boats- eg Powermain, but others say they do not work, giving problems with aerofoil shape of sail because of where they end and prone to snagging. Any strong opinions here on the forum pro or con? ( There usually is on most items!) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Every boat I've seen with 3/4 battens had a crease in front of each batten running up the mainsail.

I asked the same question of Saturn Sails and they didn't recommend them.

Donald
 
Seconded.
But...For fully battened main you want to ask for recommendations for the best and most reliable,absolutely proven hardware-if a car breaks or jams you have one major headache-imo of course.
 
Not a good idea, unless you're trying to support an aggressive roach on a very small boat.

If you do go for a fully battened main, the point about careful choice of batten cars is very valid.
Whilst the cars need to stabilise the batten as close to 90degrees with mast groove, they need the minimum bearing area to reduce friction.

Frankly the cost difference between fully battened and conventional sails is more than outweighed by the extended life and additional drive of a fully battened sail. I'd not consider buying anything but a fully battened main.

One point, because of the extra drive, you may want to put in an additional level of reefing to the fully battened main.
 
Thanks for your feedback chaps. Sorry for the delay in responding but I've been otherwise engaged this weekend celebrating my 50th (birthday that is!).

From general opinions, it looks as if not generally a good idea (as compromises often prove to be). I guess I will go down normal soft batten route unless I can wear the price differential for a fully battened main. I will get back and ask for some prices, but I suspect it may well be too big a jump, given the need for the cars etc. Re Charles' comment, I have already included 3 reefs in the quote spec in any event as I have this on the present (completely shot) sail and like the option.
 
I am very pleased with my Kemp power main, I have never seen the creases mentioned in this thread, but I have a small main which might make a difference.

61_TC_Misc_lrg.jpg

Kemp Power Main

Actually, some slight creasing near the top, but this was the first time I raised the new sail and I am happy now that it sets to a nice shape, maybe others disagree. As I said this was the first time we ever hoisted, I wanted a photograph which I took before messing around with it.
 
Mine doesn\'t....

The sail shape is text-book at all times and performs well. It has a full top batten and 'long' lower battens. These support a slightly more aggressive roach than the standard for the class.

Long battens work OK for me.
 
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