I have now lurked this forum enough time time use it... I've just bought a 1991 MacGregor 26S. Been out a couple of times and I start to get some what used with the boat. These boats a quiet rare in Sweden. I don't think there are many of them. You'll get a lot of questions in the marina. Only good comments this far.
Now down to business, last time when I was sailing a lost my battens at sea (They sink very fast). I'll sew some stitches to hold them next time. Anyhow, is there anybody who know the size of the battens on a sail from 1991 (it's a UK mainsail)? Of course I could measure the pockets but I would like to buy these before I go the the boat next time.
Measure the pockets. Cut a piece of oak to fit the pocket (leave it a bit long.) Fit it and trim the excess off for a tight fit. Probably you lost your battens because the stock battens that you had were not matched perfectly to your pockets. Why buy more when your sail pocket may be non-standard due to the variances of manufacturing? If you have no wood working tools, find a friend, or maybe a local cabinet shop will do the job for you for free in exchange for a beer and a few sea stories. It is just scrap wood to them anyway..... I made mine and have many hours on them. My purchased battens flew away like yours. Sewing up the pocket to match the short stock battens seems to me to be a mistake, unless the pocket end is ripped....
Your sails are probably not original equipment if they are UK sails. So, the only way to get the size for the new battens would be to measure the pockets on your present sails. Besides making your own, you could contact a sail loft, or chandlery store near you. The pre-made battens are not expensive and they will cut to length. Good luck Johan, and welcome aboard.
just a quick tip for you...when you made your new battens and before sliding them in to your pockets,,,,wrap the ends with insulation tape a few times..not only does it protect your sails from and sharp edges but if you put enough on it helps to stop them sliding out easily....
just a quick tip for you...when you made your new battens and before sliding them in to your pockets,,,,wrap the ends with insulation tape a few times..not only does it protect your sails from and sharp edges but if you put enough on it helps to stop them sliding out easily....
Have fun....
This is exactly what they did to the ones I had cut to fit at the chandlery.
I used these batten end caps when I replaced my last lost batten. These not only protect the sail, but keep the battens from falling out. Haven't had a problem since. http://www.sailrite.com/Batten-End-Caps-5-8
I've just bought a 1991 MacGregor 26S. Been out a couple of times and I start to get some what used with the boat. These boats a quiet rare in Sweden. I don't think there are many of them. You'll get a lot of questions in the marina. Only good comments this far. 
