93 27 hunter traveler

[Chris]

My last boat ( a 22) had a traveler and my 27 does not. I'm having a real hard time sailind upwind in light air. Does anyone have any ideas about this? Is there a traveler system that is a good fit? Chris

 

[Doug]

sailing upwind

When on the wind, your boom should be just about athwartship (centered). The closer to the wind you are the more this is true. A traveler is great for easing the main out during puffs (cause you don't have to re-adjust the mainsheet) but you should be able to do without it. A suggestion: Use your mainsheet to bring your boom to center (or just above center)and use your topping lift to keep weight of boom up so your sail is not over trimmed by mainsheet. In addition, to help get your sail "powered up" you should ease your outhaul to get the draft into the sail for lightair. Hope this helps. I have sailed on smaller boats without travelers and found this method useful.

 

[Bob]

No Traveler?

Hmm I am suprised. We have a 1978? H27 with a Traveler located aft of the tiller. Maybe it's an add-on, because if the block is located directly behind the tiller post it will occasionally interfere with operation of the tiller. We generally keep it positioned t oone side or the other, generally on the port side.I can't tell who made the traveler itself, but i can't recommend it because the adjusting cars or slides "pull up" pins broake away, leaving a flat washer with SS flat head shaft (can you say broken fingernails?)But the blocks are Harken and run really well, as long as the lines are kept clear.Bob Es/v Second NatureSalem, MA