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Where to source batten tubing in the UK?

  • 10 Dec 2014 22:08
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    Reply # 3167985 on 3167010
    Deleted user

    Ash,

    Thank you for that. Yes, I'll let you know, with pictures, how we get on next year with the new rig. Like everyone who gets a new cambered sail, I'm hoping for upwind performance to be revolutionised. (Currently with my old sail it is more than a bit iffy whether I get round Berry Head against wind & tide - not safe at all!).

    Chris
  • 10 Dec 2014 10:09
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    Reply # 3167462 on 3167010
    Deleted user

    Chris,


    Keep us posted - how you get on with battens,  how does new sail perform?

    Good luck

    Ash
  • 10 Dec 2014 06:29
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    Reply # 3167343 on 3167010
    Deleted user

    David,

    Thank you very much for that advice. On reflection I think I will leave the cf for the racers and upgrade my cleats and ropes instead.

    Chris 
  • 10 Dec 2014 00:54
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    Reply # 3167165 on 3167103
    Anonymous member
    Chris Southwell wrote:

    Does anyone have any advice about carbon fibre? My suspicion is that it could be £100 or so per batten, which might take it out of my price range. Any thoughts on the spec?

    Chris

    In my view, you don't need it. CFRP is useful for keeping the weight down to a level manageable by ordinary mortals, in very big rigs, but in small rigs, that's not necessary, and in fact, you need enough weight in the battens to bring them down readily, and keep them down when reefed. But if you want to investigate CFRP, you'll be looking at something like this.
  • 09 Dec 2014 22:09
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    Reply # 3167103 on 3167010
    Deleted user

    Chris, thank you for pointing me in the direction of that supplier. It is cheaper than I thought it would be - and with delivery just £15 or so makes the cost only £150 or so.

    Does anyone have any advice about carbon fibre? My suspicion is that it could be £100 or so per batten, which might take it out of my price range. Any thoughts on the spec?

    Chris
  • 09 Dec 2014 21:43
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    Reply # 3167087 on 3167010
    Deleted user

    Yes it is - includes the dreaded VAT as well!
  • 09 Dec 2014 21:18
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    Reply # 3167068 on 3167048
    Anonymous member
    Chris Gallienne wrote:

    A 5m length of 6063T6 is £13.89 - they will cut to order as well.

    Gosh, that's cheap!  Mine cost me $64 each - the equivalent of £32!!
  • 09 Dec 2014 20:43
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    Reply # 3167048 on 3167010
    Deleted user

    Hi Chris

    I get mine from AluminiumWarehouse.co.uk - they seem to have the best prices by a margin and will deliver anywhere in UK at reasonable cost.

    1.5" * 16SWG is probably the one you want - 38.1mm x 1.625mm wall.

    A 5m length of 6063T6 is £13.89 - they will cut to order as well.
  • 09 Dec 2014 19:27
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    Message # 3167010
    Deleted user

    Dear All,

    In Autumn 2012 I bought a junk-rigged Kingfisher 20, which had been retro-fitted many years ago with a sail which is now 34 years old, and is showing its age. After several seasons of struggling to windward, missing tacks and general slow-motion sailing, I have commissioned Chris Skanes to build me a new sail. Cambered, of course. It arrives next week – which is very exciting.

    The next thing is to get battens. From earlier posts here, I think that the expert advice is that 6060, 6082 or 6061 alu tube will be fine, provided it is T6 temper. And that 40mm 1.5mm tube will likely be strong enough, with 3mm thickness advised in the 2nd batten from the top. (Is that right?)

    Can I ask the JRA members for a bit more advice? Firstly, does anyone recommend any alu tube suppliers, ideally in the south of the UK?

    Secondly, if I were to look at carbon fibre instead of aluminium, what specification tubing would I need to look at, and does anyone know any supplier for this? It sounds like it might be expensive, but if the new sail lasts half as long as the old, it might be a good investment.

    Any advice would be very welcome.

    Chris
       " ...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in junk-rigged boats" 
                                                               - the Chinese Water Rat

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