Hi guys I've had a 5.2 and a 5.7 for years, but recently I'm having heaps of trouble getting them to rotate.
I'm using the same mast with the same settings, I don't think it's cambers sticking on the mast, my koncepts use the same masts and still rotate fine.
The impression I get is that the the body of the battens are too stiff, holding the shape forward. But battens don't get stiffer with age surely?
I think I have some old Koncept battens in the shed to test this theory with, I'll give it a try tomorrow, but in the meantime if anybody has any thoughts, I'm all ears???

Do you have a gap at the back of the boom or does the sail butt up against the boom?

If the latter try leaving +2cm gap which should allow the battens room to move.

Just checked, back in 2020 I had a 24kt alpha, so there wasn't any problem rotating it then.

My 5.7 using a RDM rotates no problem jybing, but a pain when water starting, I'm going to try Alby's suggestion next time. Never a problem with my 6.6 Koncept.

Thanks guys, will try.

Take the bottom cam out and throw it away. Ive only ever used 3 cams

Select to expand quote

jimbob SA said..
Take the bottom cam out and throw it away. Ive only ever used 3 cams

Now that's an idea!

Today I replaced the top batten with one that has a 5mm longer front section, from a Koncept, maybe that will help as well, could test it this arvo.

Been using the KA race since 2026. Usually it takes some session to get the sail stretched and get the rotation easier. I'm surprised a 5,7 has this kind of issue as it is usually rigged when the breeze is ON.
Apart the "extra" boom lenght trick you should also check how much the bottom and top cams push on the mast.
It might be needed to shorten the cam lenght (from the back). This way you're going to get less pressure.
Please also check the batten tips. In my experience the main KA issue comes just from there. Batten tips tend to fail. If so the don't input the right way and rotation sucks

Thanks W100, but I'm an ancient light weight and do things differently

bit of a win today. I checked the difference between the koncept and speed battens. As I expected the Koncepts have a longer solid batten at the top camber, so I copied the Koncept, makes a big difference.
But now I have an over rotating camber above the boom. Makes it look like the batten is broken at the tip, but it's not. More investigating tomorrow, and see if the same technique can fix the 5.2