Traveler confusion

[dsreichert]

Are new to sailing and just purchased a 1988 240. The mainsheet traveler only adjusts the mainsail with a sheet, but you need to manually adjust the traveller port and starboard. This is difficult under most circumstances so can i add an additional block and tackle system to add a line for this? If so, how and what do I need? Was told by an experienced sailor that the traveler was very necessary, more so than the boom vang. The previous owner said he never used it or the vang! Shouldn't you use both?

 

[RichBone]

There's a reason and a purpose for everything on the boat. Just because the PO didn't use something doesn't mean anything. I had to add a traveler and a boom vang to mine. It all depends on how much you want to get into sailing.

 

[Joe11688]

Are new to sailing and just purchased a 1988 240. The mainsheet traveler only adjusts the mainsail with a sheet, but you need to manually adjust the traveller port and starboard. This is difficult under most circumstances so can i add an additional block and tackle system to add a line for this? If so, how and what do I need? Was told by an experienced sailor that the traveler was very necessary, more so than the boom vang. The previous owner said he never used it or the vang! Shouldn't you use both?

I would find out the make of the traveler and see if there is some kind of a conversion kit available for it. If not, Harken and Garhaurer are good choices for travelers. Myself, I favor the Harken and I also use a boom vang. This year I made up a boom break for my boat.