Batten Systems

Ball Bearing Batten Systems

Faster, Easier and Safer - Sailing professionals around the world choose Ronstan Batten Systems for superior and innovative features combined with race-proven performance and reliability. With 5 track sizes available in the standard product range, there is a system with the right specifications for each boat and sail plan. The range includes all elements for a complete system, including headboard plates and batten receptacles. Easy track installation using patented slug connectors. Minimum distance from mast to mainsail luff enhances mainsail efficiency. Batten receptacle links and accessories are available to suit other commonly available batten receptacles.

• Rugged Durability - Cars run on twin races of Torlon^® ball bearings specifically designed for the high compression loads of these systems. Machined alloy end caps ensure precision bearing performance and durability of the cars. Reef cars are available for the larger track sizes for higher strength at critical loading points.

• Flexible Solutions - Luff Groove tracks allow racer/cruisers to switch between their "soft luff" racing mainsail and their full batten cruising mainsail. These tracks are usually bonded to carbon masts with special adhesives or mechanically fastened to alloy masts.

• Installation Options - A patented connector slug system, compatible with a wide range of mast profiles, is available for Series 19 to 30 track sizes. The system enables installation of the track over an existing luff groove without lowering the mast, drilling and tapping for fasteners, or other complications. The slugs are self-locating, for simple, reliable installation.

Captive Ball Batten Systems

Strength & Simplicity - An all-new batten car system combining the performance of ball bearing cars and the convenience of easy removal of mainsail and cars from the mast. Cars run on twin races of captive Torlon® ball bearings and alloy end caps for precise, low-friction performance. Captive slide rods provide extra strength for high static loads. The Captive Ball system provides optimum performance for raising, lowering and reefing the mainsail while head to wind or luffing. (For extreme sailing, reefing while sailing off the wind, etc. we recommend the full ball bearing car and track systems). The Captive Ball system is a convenient choice in conjunction with Luff Groove track, for easy changeover between racing and cruising mainsails.

• Performance & Strength - Cars run on twin races of captive Torlon^® ball bearings and alloy end caps for precise, low-friction performance. Captive slide rods provide extra strength for high static loads.

• Convenience - Balls and slide rods remain captive when loading or removing the cars from the mast track.

• Flexible Solutions - Captive Ball systems run on both standard and Luff Groove versions of Series 30 track. Luff groove tracks allow racer/cruisers to switch between their "soft luff" racing mainsail and their full batten cruising mainsail. These tracks are usually bonded to carbon masts with special adhesives or mechanically fastened to alloy masts.

• Installation Options - A connector slug system, compatible with a wide range of mast profiles, is available. The system enables installation of the track over an existing luff groove without lowering the mast, drilling and tapping for fasteners, or other complications. The slugs are self-locating, for simple, reliable installation.

BallslideT Batten Systems

Quick, Easy and Reliable - The patented Ronstan BallslideT system uses the existing luff groove of the mast, so that no track needs to be installed. BallslideT cars have captive ball bearings for free-running performance, and can easily be loaded and unloaded from the mast when fitting or removing the mainsail. BallslideT cars are compatible with most popular mast profiles for boats up to 18m (60 ft). Recirculating, captive ball bearings make raising and lowering the sail quick and easy. No track installation required - BallslideT cars run in the existing luff groove. The range includes all elements for a complete system, including headboard plates and batten receptacles.

• Performance - Free-running performance while raising and lowering the mainsail is provided by cars that run on twin races of recirculating ball bearings specifically designed and oriented for compression loads. Minimum distance from mast to mainsail luff enhances mainsail efficiency, and when used with Ronstan batten receptacles the luff is always on the centre line.

• Compatibility - The complete range of car profiles and adapters provides the right BallslideT solution for the most widely available mast profiles and luff groove shapes. Selection tables and luff groove gauges simplify specification.

• Flexible Solutions - Individual cars can be used in conjunction with a bolt rope on "soft luff" sails which have only a top full-length batten, or simply as low friction sail slides on larger yachts.