Sail battens keep the shape of the trailing edge of the sail correct and prevent the sail cloth from flapping – without functioning battens, the sail loses its effectiveness and wears out faster, so replacing a worn or broken batten in a timely manner is an important part of sailboat maintenance.
Our range includes battens in several common widths: 18mm, 24mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50mm, all in a standard two-metre length, which can be adjusted to the length of the sail batten pocket by cutting to the correct length. The narrower 18-24mm battens are suitable for smaller sails and lighter batten pockets, while the more robust 40-50mm battens are intended for larger sails where the batten needs to support more fabric and withstand a greater load. Batten ends are available separately for 18mm, 30mm and 40mm battens – these are an important addition, as the end of the batten needs a guard to prevent it from protruding through the end of the batten pocket and to keep the batten in place inside the sail.
The correct width and stiffness of the batten depend on the sail model and the dimensions of the batten pocket – a batten that is too stiff can put unnecessary strain on the pocket, while one that is too flexible will not hold the sail in the desired shape. Many sailors carry spare battens during the sailing season, as breaking a batten during sailing is a common but easily repairable fault if a spare part is already on hand. Check the dimensions of the batten pocket of your sail before ordering so that you choose the correct width and know the required cutting length.
When cutting a batten, it is a good idea to leave a few millimeters of extra length and sand the end smooth so that the batten is not too loose in the pocket but also not too tight, which could distort the shape of the sail. The function of the batten end is not only to prevent the batten from slipping out of the pocket, but also to protect the pocket fabric itself from abrasion by the sharp cutting surface of the batten. Many sailors have a habit of checking all battens at the beginning and end of the season – a broken or bent batten is often visible in the shape of the sail even before the problem is noticed visually by inspecting the batten itself. Battens of different widths may be necessary in the same sail if the batten pockets are designed to progressively stiffen towards the leading edge of the sail.
Keep a few spare blades with you during the season, as a broken blade is a common but easily repairable problem on the road.
It is recommended to choose the width of the sail batten according to the dimensions of the batten pocket so that the sail maintains its correct shape throughout the sailing season.
