The quote below is from From North Sails North University Trim A book you can buy from North Sails on racing sail trim. Full Battens improve both the performance and the racing life of main sails. Full battens change some of our control and trim techniques and they generally make mainsail trim easier. Full battens eliminate some of our control over draft position. The battens taper influences draft position, and luff tension has less impact. At the same time, the battens prevent the draft from moving out of position, so our need for control is diminished. We can still pull the draft forward with extra luff tension, but the propensity for the draft to move aft with mast bend is reduced. Tapered upper battens give us a sail with self correcting draft position. As the sail loads up and the draft starts to drift aft the battens soft forward section bends to hold the draft forward. . While you are at it, make sure they (sic the battens) are tapered. It is worth the additional cost of tapered battens. In short they are a good choice for most people interested in boat speed. I hope Bill Riker will let us know how he likes his full batten main. Thanks Doug Kelch Seas the Day --- "John L. Gonzalez" <jlgonzalez@san.rr.com> wrote:
I visited the Montgomery factory today and placed an order for a new M-15 (628) with Bob. I ordered a dark blue hull with white topside and opening portlights. Bob expects to deliver the boat in mid-January or so. My wife, kiddies, and I can't wait.
Aside, I hadn't seen an M-17 before; it's a big, comfortable boat, and what a great cockpit it's got.
I saw in today's Digest that folks recommend a full batten and loose foot on the M-15 main. I'll ask Bob if I can get those on my main. Anything else that I should request, now?
The blocks of foam floatation under the cockpit aren't the prettiest, and look like they'll get beat up over time. Do folks replace them with foam "pool noodles" or something similar or do without?
Thanks for your help!
Sincerely, John _______________________________________________
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