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

1.

SERIES USAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
Imperial | Metric
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

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

2.

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.

3.

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.

Ball Bearing System
Flexible Solutions
Captive ball bearing
close

Please note, Paul is using Series 6 BallSlide™ cars. An updated car/foot identification & replacement parts overview can be found here:

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

1.

SERIES USAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
Imperial | Metric
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

*Long Headboard Car

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

*Long Headboard Car

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

*Long Headboard Car

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

*Long Headboard Car

2.

PERFORMANCE

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.

3.

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.

4.

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.

Ball Bearing System

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

1.

SERIES USAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
Imperial | Metric
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 Headboard Car

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 Headboard Car

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 Headboard Car

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 Headboard Car

2.

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.

3.

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.

4.

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.

5.

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.

Captive ball system

Need some advice?

Send us a
Message

Find a
Distributor