Laser 4000 main sail/batten problem

Giles Ball

New Member
I recently purchased a Laser 4000. It's in reasonable condition and has new jib but original main. It is showing signs of wear along bolt rope and near the tack. I'm having problems with battens locking in position which is fine until I try tacking, even in good winds the battens will not give and consequently the wind will not fill the sail and the boat stalls. I've tried as much down haul on Cunningham as possible, tension outhaul and gnav, but none have resolved the problem. Crew has also tried knocking battens out by hand, some may give but not all, and some times they pop back.
The battens are tight in their pockets.
I'm beginning to wonder if the sail needs replacing, but want to make sure i'm not doing something wrong.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
 
Have you pulled the battens out, if not, do so and make sure they are still flat (if the sail was rolled such that the battens were in a curve, over time the battens will set in that position)

If the battens are still flat, reduce the tension on them in the pockets.
 
Hi Giles

I am a fellow 4000 sailor!

It appears like your battens are too tight in their pockets, they don't need to be tight and should be loose so they can 'pop' in tacks and gybes.

Have a try and get back if the problem isn't fixed!

Also, more info about the boat is available here: http://4000.org.uk/

Cheers
 
I recently purchased a Laser 4000. It's in reasonable condition and has new jib but original main. It is showing signs of wear along bolt rope and near the tack. I'm having problems with battens locking in position which is fine until I try tacking, even in good winds the battens will not give and consequently the wind will not fill the sail and the boat stalls. I've tried as much down haul on Cunningham as possible, tension outhaul and gnav, but none have resolved the problem. Crew has also tried knocking battens out by hand, some may give but not all, and some times they pop back.
The battens are tight in their pockets.
I'm beginning to wonder if the sail needs replacing, but want to make sure i'm not doing something wrong.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
I have removed battens and they do appear to be flat, but I will try to remove tension. Thanks
 
Hi Giles

I am a fellow 4000 sailor!

It appears like your battens are too tight in their pockets, they don't need to be tight and should be loose so they can 'pop' in tacks and gybes.

Have a try and get back if the problem isn't fixed!

Also, more info about the boat is available here: http://4000.org.uk/

Cheers
Thanks I will try loosening them.
 

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