How to measureIn order to manufacture battens that suit the desired shape of your sail, or to replicate an existing set of battens it is important to follow the steps below and acquire the required specification data. Battens are usually measured and described by three important characteristics including:
The overall length of a sail batten does not include the end fitting. Our battens are sold without these and are therefore measured from one end of the carbon part to the other. The buckling weight is best measured on a set of accurate digital scales. Simply stand the batten on one end and press down until it reaches a stable weight reading. You will notice that no matter how hard you push down the weight reading will remain fairly constant. This weight is the buckling weight for that particular batten. The camber point is measured from the leading edge of the batten to the point of maximum sideways deflection (when in buckled state). Record this number and divide it by the overall batten length to get the % camber. As a guide most sails will have a camber between 35-50%. Here is an example: 680mm (Length from leading edge to maximum bend point) / 1500mm (Overall batten length) = 0.45 Maximum camber point = 45%
What is batten lead in? Mainsail battens often break at entry into the batten fitting on the sail luff. This is the area where loads are greatest and most often where the batten is thinnest. This is why all Battens Online products are designed with a 50mm lead in (increase in thickness) to cope with extra loads and prevent breakage. Leech or jib battens do not require this so our on-line batten calculator gives you the option to choose this feature. |
