Part 1:

Loading Battens – Tie-In Leech Adjuster.

Before inserting the battens, make sure the silver spectra

loop is hanging freely OUTSIDE of the sail (Figure 1).

Battens are labeled with Batten #1 closest to the head of the

sail. If your sail has RBS Rocket Tensioners, skip to Part 2.

Insert the batten into the pocket so the Black Hole Cap

is about 2” past the leech of the sail (Figure 2).

Thread the tensioning line down through the slot in the

sail (1), down through the Black Hole Cap (2), through the

spectra loop (3), back up through the Black Hole Cap (4), and

back up through the slot in the sail (5).

Pull the tensioning line (Figure 3).

This fishes the spectra loop up through the Black Hole Cap

and into the velcro pouch. At the same time the batten

should settle fully into the pocket.

Set up a 3:1 lashing (Figure 4).

More power than a 3:1 is not needed, as it makes it too easy

to over-tension the batten. The purchase system is NOT

to add tension. It is there to allow for finer adjustment and

make it easier to tie a knot without slippage. Finish with a

few half hitches over the lashing and tuck the tail out of the

way (Figure 5).

See Part 3 for additional tensioning tips!

Figure 1

Figure 5

Figure 4

Figure 3

Figure 2

1 2

3

4

5

NORTH SAILS 3Di BATTENINSTALLATION & TENSIONING GUIDE PLEASE READ! 3Di sails generally require less batten tension than other sails. Loose is fast!

This means extra care must be taken to not over-tension the batten, given the mechanical advantage offered by both the

Tie-in and RBS Rocket Tensioner leech end adjusters. This guide will explain how to insert and set up the battens with the

correct tension for both a smooth sail shape and to maintain your sails’ longevity. It remains important to release any batten

tension at the end of every day of sailing.

Version 2.0, Winter 2016

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Part 2:Battens with an RBS Rocket Tensioner.

Battens are labeled with Batten #1 closest to the head of

the sail.

Insert the batten into the pocket between the

webbings and red flaps (Figure 6).

Gently push the webbing loops apart before inserting the

batten fully so the wings of the tensioner can slide past them

into the pocket, making sure the tensioning screw head is

flush with the end of the tensioner. Don’t use a sharp object

to pry the webs from under the wings or try to grab them

with pliers.

If it is very difficult to get the wings past the webs, remove

the batten and loop a piece of light line through the webs to

pull them apart (Figure 7). Also it may be easier to focus on

one web at a time, starting with the one closer to the leech.

Seat the webs into the wings (Figure 8).

Once the wings are past the webs, push them together so

they are secure on the wings. The webs may cover the wings.

This is OK.

GENTLY add tension (Figure 9).

Using the supplied RBS screwdriver, gently turn the

tensioning screw clockwise. Again, it is very easy to over-

tension the batten. Simply taking the slack out of the system

is usually enough.

See Part 3 for additional tensioning tips!

Figure 6

Figure 9

Figure 8

Figure 7

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Part 3:Perfect Batten Tension.

Do not over-tension! Loose is fast!

Most batten related problems are due to overtensioning.

The ideal amount may be less than expected. Tension is

correct when the sail is smooth.

Recognizing over-tensioning at the dock.

• There is a large football shaped distortion, roughly parallel

to the batten pocket, emanating from the batten ends

(Figure 10).

• The batten takes on a curved shape, similar to a boat’s

mast bend under rig tension. If this bend can be “popped”

from side to side, IMMEDIATELY loosen the tension as

permanent sail damage can result!

• The middle part of the batten is clearly visible, or appears to

be standing proud inside the batten pocket.

Recognizing over-tensioning on the water.

• The large football shaped wrinkles sharpen to V-shaped

wrinkles from one or both ends of the batten (Figure 11).

• The tip of the batten appears to lift to windward, which also

looks like a depression in the sail to leeward (Figure 12).

• The batten can force excessive curve in the leech of the sail,

or even invert completely.

• After a tack or gybe, the batten remains in its previous

position.

Tips for perfect batten tension.

• When in doubt, start with a loose setup and gradually add

tension, not the other way around.

• Place a pencil under the lashing while setting the tension,

and remove it once the lashing is set (Figure 13). This adds

an extra safety factor and also helps with consistent tension

on all battens.

• As the Rocket Tensioner screw is turned to add tension, it

will be obvious when it starts to work against the pocket.

When this happens, stop and loosen the screw 1/2 turn.

Figure 10

Figure 13

Figure 12 Too much tension = distortion at tips

Correct tension = smooth at tips

Figure 11

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