Anyone installed cabin top traveler?

[normo]

I have a nice traveler left over from a previous boat project that I might want to use on the 26X. Has anyone mounted a traveler on the cabin top located at the aft end of the cabin hatch when it is full forward?

My thought is to use a 3:1 at the traveler and then run the sheet aft on the boom to a block attached to the bail located at the factory position and then down to the pedestal.

The obvious concern is whether the structure of the cabin top is sufficiently strong. The boom may also be a problem but that can be stiffened.

PS I had a Cal 25 with a nice Harken traveler located where the M traveler is positioned and I didn't like it a bit. It seemed that the lines were always in the way. In addition, you have to pay particular attention to make sure crew stays clear of the traveler car when tacking and going downwind in windy conditions. If both traveler car control lines are not cleated, the car can be a dangerous weapon as it is capable of traversing the track in milliseconds while jibing in windy conditions.

[Frank C]

... My thought is to use a 3:1 at the traveler and then run the sheet aft on the boom to a block attached to the bail located at the factory position and then down to the pedestal.

... The obvious concern is whether the structure of the cabin top is sufficiently strong. The boom may also be a problem but that can be stiffened.

... the car can be a dangerous weapon as it is capable of traversing the track in milliseconds while jibing in windy conditions.

Norm,
Hmmmm. Not planning to cleat the mainsheet at the pedestal, are you? Traditional approach would lead the mainsheet forward to mast and back on the deck for cleating. Or better yet, just add a cleat to the center tackle and drop the spaghetti straight into the cabin. It seems to me that leading along the boom and dropping at the pedestal adds beaucoup friction and spaghetti?? How would you manage the control lines for the car?

I'm pretty sure you don't want to mount your traveler any further forward than the winches, which is about the half-way point along the boom. The deck strength won't be the issue, but you'll need a beefier boom, for sure, to stretch the mainsail from the half-way point. Also, you'll need to multiply purchase to 6:1 at minimum, don't you think?

Another issue is fabricating end-mounts and the strength of the track itself. You're spanning at least 5 feet, which is the max that Harken's heavy-duty small boat track can bridge. Look in the mods pages, it's been documented by a couple of owners - Murv Barry for sure.

I still have a Harken windward sheeting car in the parts bin, which should eliminate the flying car problem. My idea is a removable track mounted across the seats at the pedestal, or perhaps crossing the coamings at the companionway, similar to the M. Yes, it would be an obstacle. Yes, it would be easily removable for lunching or anchoring. The span to be bridged at seats or coamings is well short of 5 feet.

I've adjusted mast rake, led the halyard aft, added a rigid vang, added compound outhaul and added a split adjustable backstay. In concert, those controls have improved sail performance in brisk winds by a bunch. I think the traveler would be the most important improvement among them, reducing the load on the vang, better holding a flat sail, and improving upwind angles. Good luck.

[normo]

Frank C: I had tried to search the forum for traveler articles but failed. Your tip spurred me on and I found the cabin top traveler mod. Thanks.

I am trying to contact the author to find how this mod worked.

[Murv Barry]

I've had the traveler on the cabin top between the winches for some time now and I am pleased to say that it continues to work very well. The boom bail was moved forward directly above the traveler and the load is handled without any problem. The traveler cars attach to tracks that are an extension of the existing jib tracks which enables me to slide the traveler fw'd when at anchor, etc. Important to be able to move the traveler out of the way when not in use as the bumps on my head will attest when I forget to do it.

[Mark Prouty]

I too looked into this project and found these in the mod pages:

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=148




http://www.macgregorsailors.com/cgi-bin ... record=302