Batten Systems Selection Advice
BALLSLIDE™ BATTEN SYSTEMS
QUICK, EASY AND RELIABLE
Ronstan’s Ballslide™ system makes raising and lowering the mainsail quick and easy. Recirculating captive ball bearings ensure free running performance, and since the cars use the existing luff groove of the mast there is no need to install a track.
- With a complete range of car profiles and feet there is a Ballslide™ solution for most available mast profiles and luff groove shapes on boats up to 18m (60ft).
- Ballslide™ cars run on twin races of recirculating ball bearings specifically designed and oriented for compression loads. Hoisting and dropping the mainsail has never been easier! Ball joint links for batten receptacles and quick release pins for intermediate cars are configured to minimise the distance from mast to mainsail luff.
- Ballslide™ cars are easily loaded, and just as easily removed from the luff groove of the mast. Larger boats using the Series 8 system may opt for cars with quick release ball joints for the batten receptacles to facilitate initial setup or removal of larger mainsails.
Features
Series Usage Recommendations
| MONOHULLS | LOA (m) |
SAIL AREA (m2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 6 | 12 | 38 |
| SERIES 8 | 16 | 53 |
| SERIES 8* | 18 | 60 |
*Long Headboard Car
| MULTIHULLS | LOA (m) |
SAIL AREA (m2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 6 | 9 | 30 |
| SERIES 8 | 11 | 42 |
| SERIES 8* | 13 | 48 |
*Long Headboard Car
| MONOHULLS | LOA (ft) |
SAIL AREA (ft2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 6 | 40 | 409 |
| SERIES 8 | 53 | 570 |
| SERIES 8* | 60 | 646 |
*Long Headboard Car
| MULTIHULLS | LOA (ft) |
SAIL AREA (ft2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 6 | 30 | 322 |
| SERIES 8 | 36 | 452 |
| SERIES 8* | 43 | 517 |
*Long Headboard Car
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 Ballslide™ 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.
Please note, Paul is using Series 6 BallSlide™ cars. An updated car/foot identification & replacement parts overview can be found here:
MORE INFORMATION
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 7 track sizes in the standard product range, there is a system with the right specifications for every 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.
- Ball Bearing cars run on twin races of recirculating ball bearings that engage with the track profile for excellent all round performance, even when reefing while sailing off the wind.
Features
Series Usage Recommendations
| MONOHULLS | LOA (m) |
SAIL AREA (m2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 14 | 12 | 38 |
| SERIES 19 | 14 | 44 |
| SERIES 22 | 18 | 58 |
| SERIES 26 | 20 | 85 |
| SERIES 30 | 23 | 120 |
| SERIES 42 | 34 | 310 |
| SERIES 55 | 52 | 700 |
| MULTIHULLS | LOA (m) |
SAIL AREA (m2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 14 | 9 | 30 |
| SERIES 19 | 11 | 37 |
| SERIES 22 | 12 | 46 |
| SERIES 26 | 14 | 65 |
| SERIES 30 | 17 | 93 |
| SERIES 42 | 26 | 230 |
| SERIES 55 | 39 | 525 |
| MONOHULLS | LOA (ft) |
SAIL AREA (ft2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 14 | 40 | 409 |
| SERIES 19 | 46 | 474 |
| SERIES 22 | 60 | 624 |
| SERIES 26 | 65 | 915 |
| SERIES 30 | 75 | 1292 |
| SERIES 42 | 112 | 3340 |
| SERIES 55 | 170 | 7500 |
| MULTIHULLS | LOA (ft) |
SAIL AREA (ft2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 14 | 30 | 323 |
| SERIES 19 | 36 | 398 |
| SERIES 22 | 40 | 495 |
| SERIES 26 | 46 | 700 |
| SERIES 30 | 56 | 1001 |
| SERIES 42 | 85 | 2450 |
| SERIES 55 | 128 | 5650 |
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.
Ball Bearing Batten Systems Ranges
CAPTIVE BALL BATTEN SYSTEMS
STRENGTH & SIMPLICITY
The batten car system combines 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 a balance between maximum strength, durability, and friction reduction. For lowest friction we recommend Ball Bearing Car Systems.
- Simple and secure attachment. The Dyneema® Link is easily fitted and is retained securely by a moulded retainer clip.
- The captive ball system is a convenient choice in conjunction with luff groove track, for easy changeover between racing and cruising mainsails.
Features
Series Usage Recommendations
| MONOHULLS | LOA (m) |
SAIL AREA (m2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 19 | 14 | 48 |
| SERIES 19* | 15 | 53 |
| SERIES 22 | 18 | 58 |
| SERIES 22* | 18 | 70 |
| SERIES 26 | 22 | 105 |
| SERIES 30 | 23 | 120 |
*Long Cars
| MULTIHULLS | LOA (m) |
SAIL AREA (m2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 19 | 11 | 37 |
| SERIES 19* | 12 | 46 |
| SERIES 22 | 12 | 46 |
| SERIES 22* | 13 | 57 |
| SERIES 26 | 16 | 83 |
| SERIES 30 | 17 | 93 |
*Long Cars
| MONOHULLS | LOA (ft) |
SAIL AREA (ft2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 19 | 46 | 517 |
| SERIES 19* | 50 | 570 |
| SERIES 22 | 60 | 624 |
| SERIES 22* | 60 | 753 |
| SERIES 26 | 65 | 915 |
| SERIES 30 | 75 | 1292 |
*Long Cars
| MULTIHULLS | LOA (ft) |
SAIL AREA (ft2) |
|---|---|---|
| SERIES 19 | 36 | 398 |
| SERIES 19* | 40 | 495 |
| SERIES 22 | 40 | 495 |
| SERIES 22* | 43 | 614 |
| SERIES 26 | 46 | 700 |
| SERIES 30 | 56 | 1001 |
*Long Cars
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.
Ball Joint Articulation
A stainless steel ball joint link between the car and the batten receptacle provides movement in all directions with a minimum of 105° (112°for ball bearing cars) either side of centre. Ball joint links are available to suit Ronstan batten receptacles and most other types.
Installation Options
Installation can be greatly simplified for Series 19 through Series 30 by the use of threaded slugs that locate in the existing luff groove of the mast, avoiding the need to drill and tap holes for fasteners and other complications. Slugs are self-locating and allow for track installation without having to remove the mast from the boat.
Flexible Solutions
Captive ball cars use a combination of captive recirculating ball bearings running on the face of the track for compression loads, and sliderods to provide extra strength for high static loads. All bearings are captive, allowing for easy installation and removal.
Luff groove tracks are compatible with ’soft luff’ and fully battened mainsails, making it easy to change between the two. They may be bonded to carbon masts with special adhesives. Quick release cars make the job easier when the sail needs to be removed for changeover, repair or stowage.
