Powerex Battens are modular with nominal lengths of 3 meters (10 feet). A system of internal ferrules connects sections together to compose longer lengths. Various section stiffness and shapes are preconfigured and then interchanged to match any yacht’s unique requirements. Powerex is credited with pioneering the ferrule technology that has made it a worldwide brand name in high performance windsurfing masts. Applied to yacht battens Powerex delivers durability and smooth bend characteristics with the convenience of shorter sections. For optimum performance and durability, Powerex recommends gluing the batten sections together at the point of assembly. With carefully controlled tolerances between ferrule and batten, assembly is straightforward and effective with a marine grade epoxy or optional Powerex Batten Glue Kit.

Powerex Batten Stiffness:

Powerex Batten sections are available in a variety of stiffness, ranging from an EI of 0.25 to 1.30 on the tapered sections, and .05 to 1.60 on the straight sections. This range allows for control of the bend characteristics of the battens.

Powerex Battens are tubular. Tubular structures deliver the highest return in stiffness to weight compared to any other cross section. Tubular composite cross sections have demonstrated the most successful results in the most challenging conditions on the most demanding yachts around the world. From the round the world racers to the Americas Cup to your yacht, no other cross sectional shape delivers stiffness with greater efficiency than tubular.

Powerex Batten Shapes:

Powerex Battens are tapered by varying the inside diameter, the outside diameter and the laminate design over the length of the batten. Tapered battens work with the sail design to increase the lift to drag efficiency of the entire rig. At Powerex, our engineers work closely with the leading designers to transfer the latest sail theory into the correct batten tapers to enhance sail proficiency.

Powerex Batten Durability:

Powerex Battens are constructed in pre-preg glass and carbon fibers with a resin formulation specifically oriented toward elasticity to increase the strain threshold of the batten. When extreme bending and contact with rig parts is unavoidable, Powerex Battens emphasizes glass fiber and flexible resin to insure trouble free performance. All Powerex battens are wrapped in Kevlar for maximum durability.

Powerex Batten Compatibility with Tensioning Systems:

Powerex Battens fully integrate with the sailboat industries leading batten tensioning system providers. Because most batten tensioning systems capture the luff end of the batten, Powerex Batten outside diameters at the luff are optimized to match up with existing standards. Close tolerances insure proper function with durability. The leech end of Powerex Battens are finished with a Delrin end cap presenting a flat surface to accommodate ‘over the end’ Spectra webbing tensioning systems. Custom leech end caps are available upon special request.

Powerex Batten Leech Caps:

Powerex Battens may be configured with optional Leech End Caps shaped in a whale tail designed to capture ‘over the end’ webbing closures. Alternative custom Leech End Caps are available upon request. A popular alternative Custom Leech Cap features a cylindrical chamfered structure in Delrin configured with a 10 mm hole for the purpose of feeding a spectra line to provide further batten tensioning at the leech. The price for Custom Leech Caps is $35.00 and a minimum 2-week lead time is necessary to insure on time delivery.

Powerex Batten Compatibility with In Boom Furling Systems:

Powerex Battens fully integrate with In Boom Furling Systems with Custom Composite Luff Paddles specifically designed to accommodate sail making standards for finishing the batten pocket at the bolt rope. The price for Custom Composite Luff Paddles is $95.00 and a minimum 4 week lead time is necessary to insure on time delivery. Standard or Custom Powerex Batten Leech End Caps finish the tubular shape at the trailing edge for Spectra webbing tensioning systems.

Yachts Suited to Powerex Battens:

Powerex Battens are a logical choice to maximize the performance of your mainsail.

Powerex Battens are designed for Monohull Yachts over 48’ L.O.A. and Multihull Yachts over 36’ L.O.A. requiring full length battens. Combining the advantages of lightweight yet durable composite materials; glass, carbon and Kevlar fibers in an epoxy matrix, Powerex Battens deliver high performance with globetrotting durability.