Ballslide™ Batten Car 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.


Compatibility
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). See page 138 for car and feet details. Selection tables and specification sheets can be downloaded from the Ronstan website.


PerformanceBB
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.
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Captive ball bearings

Use existing mast luff groove

Quick release batten car models

Flexible solutions

Ball joint articulation

Track & Car Batten Car Systems

Strength & Simplicity

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.


Flexible solutions


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.

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.

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.
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Ball Bearing systems

Captive Ball systems

Quick release batten car models

Luff groove tracks for sail flexibility

Track mounting slugs