Adding a main sheet traveler

[finefurn]

I just purchased a 1984 H27, has anyone ever modified the main sheeting system to use a traveler, or know of information on how to do it or any problems that may arise in so doing.

 

[Benny17441]

The best improvement you could do now would be to add a boom vang if the boat already does not have one. The triangle sheeting configuration works quite well if there is a vang to prevent the boom from lifting.

 

[tgentsch]

1979 Hunter 27 configured with a Harken traveler and boom vang by the previous owner. It appears as though he cut a rectangle area of the cabin ceiling and epoxied in some plywood from the underside, then bolted through with the overlapping aluminum backing plates seen in the second photo. Have had this in some lively wind conditions and it works like a champ. I have to say the traveler is a welcome tool. And the vang is also great. If you are planning on bringing halyards to the cockpit some day that may be a bit of a challenge and you'll also find yourself all over the cockpit while sailing. This is a tiller boat, so you tend to be in the front area of the cockpit and the traveler works well there. I'm glad it's there and use it frequently.

 

[finefurn]

Thanks tgentsch , That's exactly what I want to do , I'm going to check out the Haeken site for what's required and available.

 

[JohnVTX]

Check Garhauer also

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I love it when a photo is posted as a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Thank you for the photos.

 

[givlucas]

1979 Hunter 27 configured with a Harken traveler and boom vang by the previous owner. It appears as though he cut a rectangle area of the cabin ceiling and epoxied in some plywood from the underside, then bolted through with the overlapping aluminum backing plates seen in the second photo. Have had this in some lively wind conditions and it works like a champ. I have to say the traveler is a welcome tool. And the vang is also great. If you are planning on bringing halyards to the cockpit some day that may be a bit of a challenge and you'll also find yourself all over the cockpit while sailing. This is a tiller boat, so you tend to be in the front area of the cockpit and the traveler works well there. I'm glad it's there and use it frequently.


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I know this post is quite old, but would you happen to have any pictures from behind the backing plates? I'm going to need to modify my boat similarly and am having trouble understanding the deck construction.

 

[jssailem]

having trouble understanding the deck construction.

First of all, I would send a Private Message to @Crazy Dave Condon. He has extensive knowledge of these boats.

The construction of most boat cabins involves a sandwich of fiberglass-plywood-fiberglass then in the 27's case it appears to be fiberglass interior surface. Most designs have the cabin tops lightly constructed to minimize weight.

If you are considering a traveler in that location, as in the image, you likely are going to need the bolts and large backing plate as shown in the above picture. The deck in that part of your boat may not have been designed to handle the stresses of a mainsheet traveler with just bolts and fender washers.

Here is a bit of background on the 27.
Hunter 27 - Practical Sailor

Here is one way that the designer spreads the stresses on the cabin top.