MK 1 Control Panel

This is a manual system for the control of inflation and deflation of the AirBattens.   It Is the simplest and therefore the lowest cost.  The Marks  2, 3, 4  have progessively more advanced features, convenience and value.   The Mk1 is affixed at the gooseneck where the AirBattens are inflated in less than two minutes with the included hand pump with pressure gauge  (see photo gallery)  and has a pressure limit switch to prevent over inflation.  There are three open\close valves, one for the top batten, one for the number two batten and one to control the bottom two battens. After the battens are inflated, the valves are closed to retain the air pressure.

The valves are also used to facilitate reefing of the mainsail. In a reefing situation the top one or two battens are left deflated while the remaining battens are inflated.

After a day of sailing, air is emptied from the battens by simply opening the valves and furling in the mainsail.

Later, if the sailor chooses , this Mk1 can be replaced with a Mk 4 Control Panel in the cockpit for the ultimate in safety and convenince by extending and installing the tubing through the boat back to the cockpit.

In this more technical appearing Control Panel, usually fastened at the gooseneck,  the AirBattens are inflated in less than two minutes with the included hand pump.   Built in is an oil damped pressure gauge to allow monitoring of air pressure while inflating and sailing, and a limit switch to prevent over inflation.  The battens work best with 15- 20 P.S.I.   For deflation,the purge valve allows the air to escape as the sail is furled in.  Battens 1 and 2 are controlled individually to allow for mainsail reefing.  Battens 3 and 4 are joined since they are always furled and unfurled in unison.

The MK2 may be installed at the helm station, but there will be the additional expense incurred for routing the tubing through the boat.

Dimensions are 5.5” by 4.75” by 4”

MK 4 Control Panel

The Mk 4 is power inflation and deflation and is mounted at the helm station.  Time to fill and evacuate the battens is less than 2 minutes. There is no purge valve. In the event of boat power failure the battens may be manually inflated similar to the MK 2 and 3 and deflated by disconnecting the air connector valve. Reefing controls are also similar to the MK 2 and 3. This system allows the air to be evacuated faster than with the MK 2 and 3

Dimensions are 10.25” by 6.25” by 4”