A couple of the cork battens on my 5.2 appear to have delaminated. I have not removed them yet, was waiting until the end of the season to make some repairs. (At my sailing skill level, I assure you that this is not hampering my performance!) They are soft about 5-6" back of the luff and are not in danger of puncturing the sail or anything. I was told that they could be repaired. Any one have any tips?

Terry

My 5.2 battens had delaminated in the same manner although they were foam core instead of cork. Although I suspect yours probably are as well, repair should be the same.

- make several 'splints' from some scrap wood - about 1" X .375" X 12" and get several spring clamps. The splints should be roughly at least twice as long as the damaged area(s) so they will overlap well with the straight undamaged parts of the batten so the repair will be straight with everything else.

- mix up some epoxy and while carefully opening the delaminated ends, pour/push (with a thin stick) the epoxy inside the battens getting it as deep into the damaged area as possible. Be carefull not to get the epoxy on the outside where the splint will be so you do not glue it to the batten. If you do get epoxy there, you may just want to wrap with some wax paper or seran (sp?) wrap to prevent the epoxy from getting to the splint.

- clamp the splints in place on both sides of the batten. I put one clamp on the very end of the batten and one about 2/3 the way up the damaged area.

- lay the batten on it's side with the thin side up so that it is straight. Any curvature induced while the epoxy cures will be permanent.

- after the epoxy cures, remove everything. It should hold for a good long time. Some light sanding might be required to remove any drips or sharp areas.

Thanks Jake,

I think you are right. They may very well be foam.

Sounds simple enough. I guess if I get the splint epoxied to the batten, I could always have the batten pocket enlarged to hold the splint also. (Sail might not have the best shape.. )

Terry