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Post by dublin on Nov 9, 2011 19:00:29 GMT
I am researching replacing my sails. Has anyone any experience with using fully battened mainsail in selden furling mast system.
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Post by ladauphine on Nov 11, 2011 22:51:19 GMT
In 2009, we replaced our stock in mast furling mainsail with a new North main with three vertical battens. Since we only cruise our 42ds, we went with a conventional sail material rather than the more expensive kevlar versions. The sail is cut very flat since with a loose foot and halyard adjustments, you can adjust the sail quite easily. The main has slightly more area with this design. Hope this helps.
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Post by dublin on Nov 12, 2011 0:06:40 GMT
As a cruiser i would also be looking as standard type material. I looked as the morecexotice material and a quate of about 10k changed my mind My questions (or at least the starting questions) are Has the increased roach added to drive (rather than heeling) How does the sail hold shape in increasing wind and/or gusting wind
Are the battens full length or short. Did you consider full length Do you have any photos of the sail in action showing the increased roach
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Post by ladauphine on Nov 13, 2011 1:06:54 GMT
the cost factor also changed our mind so we went with dacron. because the sail is very flat the increased roach adds to the drive and we usually furl the jib first and drop the traveler as the wind increases. as the wind increases we balance the boat by furling both the jib and main using the pressure on the helm as a general guide . when the wheel feels neutral and boat is driving, the boat settles into a nice groove and if the wind gusts, we play the traveler up or down. the battens are short
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Post by ladauphine on Nov 13, 2011 1:08:11 GMT
the cost factor also changed our mind so we went with dacron. because the sail is very flat the increased roach adds to the drive and we usually furl the jib first and drop the traveler as the wind increases. as the wind increases we balance the boat by furling both the jib and main using the pressure on the helm as a general guide . when the wheel feels neutral and boat is driving, the boat settles into a nice groove and if the wind gusts, we play the traveler up or down. the battens are short
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Post by ladauphine on Nov 13, 2011 1:10:20 GMT
back to the battens. they range from a half to one full meter and are very flexible in order to roll up in the mast sorry i don't have any photos
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Post by dublin on Nov 13, 2011 12:02:48 GMT
Have you any thoughts on whether the short battens improve sail shape and especially in stronger winds and gusts
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Post by ladauphine on Nov 14, 2011 19:35:33 GMT
actually, yes. the reason we replaced the 2 year old stock sail was that it streched so badly in the roach as the wind increased that we healed badly and it was difficult to stear. the vertical battens keep the roach flat so the healing is controlled by the traveler and minor reefing. we also purchased a new 135 jib that is also dacron and very flat. so by reducing the main by taking two turns on the winch to the single reef point, we don't reef the jib until we hit about 18 to 20 knots of wind
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Post by dublin on Nov 14, 2011 21:10:38 GMT
Thanks for the feedback. The only issue now would seem to be wether to go with something fully battened like the maxiroach.
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