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Mainsheet Traveller on Cabintop

  • May 29, 2013 2:56 PM
    Quote
    Message # 1304849
    Deleted user
    Most sailors consider a mainsheet traveller sytem to be an almost necessary upgrade for controlling mainsail shape.
    Many Westsails still have the mainsheet aft on the boomkin, Bud even sells a stainless stern pulpit with a hoop deigned for the mainsheet, of course he offers a cabintop mainsheet traveller as well.

    Can anyone attest to the benefits for having a traveller on the cabintop?
    Last modified: May 29, 2013 3:09 PM | Deleted user
  • May 29, 2013 5:11 PM
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    Reply # 1304917 on 1304849
    Deleted user
    We installed a Garhaur Traveler many years ago in front of the dodger and consider it a major improvement.  Nothing wrong with end boom sheeting but we like not needing a vang or preventer until off the wind, we use preventers.  I think in front of the companion way to be the least desirable, where we like to sit when on watch. Be aware that it does put some additional load on the center of the boom and some booms might be a little small, though less than a vang.   

    Jim
  • May 29, 2013 5:43 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1304930 on 1304849
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    I'll second Jim's advice -- I installed a Garhaur Traveler on the cabin top - made a big difference in the cockpit verses the traveler in front of the companion way - what were they thinking.  Now we can sail with 4 adults in the cockpit.  Priced very well also...

    I found that the Garhaur line clutches and rigid vang were also a good investment.

    Jay

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  • May 29, 2013 8:04 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1305018 on 1304849
    Deleted user
    Were these travelers on the bridgedeck original westsail installtions?
    I wasn't aware of this.

    Do yous have concern that the cabintop travellers might be too forward?
    I mean there is quite a bit of boom aft of the traveller.
    Doesn't this strain with leverage due to location and also because of the location lessen the effectiveness of correcting sail shape? Shouldn't the twisting of the boom from a traveller be further aft?

    There must be some technical specs for mainsheet location attachment to booms.
    Isn't your locations more than 50% forward?
    How does it compare to other sailboats?
  • May 29, 2013 8:56 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1305042 on 1305018
    Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Carl Schaefer wrote:Were these travelers on the bridgedeck original westsail installtions?   

     
    Do yous have concern that the cabintop travellers might be too forward?
    I mean there is quite a bit of boom aft of the traveller.
    Doesn't this strain with leverage due to location and also because of the location lessen the effectiveness of correcting sail shape? Shouldn't the twisting of the boom from a traveller be further aft?

    There must be some technical specs for mainsheet location attachment to booms.
    Isn't your locations more than 50% forward?
    How does it compare to other sailboats?

    Carl: Original installation - I can't say - there are many variations between the factory, sail away and kit boats. 

    The boom attachment points are spread out ~ 1 - 2' apart - the load across the boom seems OK...

    I would recommend asking Bud and check out his W32 manual...

    Jay

    Last modified: June 01, 2013 1:40 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • May 30, 2013 8:38 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 1305445 on 1304849
    Deleted user
    Ours was originally end boom sheeting and had no effect on sail trim when moved to the cabin top. I actually think it made it better The additional load by moving forward, may and I stress may be an issue if you have a smaller boom.  I have seen some bowing in the cabin top mounted booms but also with end boom sheeting.  Our boom has three bails spread out with compression posts and the boom is perfectly straight.  A vang will put much more load on the boom due to it's mounting location, another reason I don't like them.

    Jim