Bob: Thank you for your interest in the forum. Most cruising boat have either an inboard or an outboard track. Generally, boats that race have both tracks and you'll see why as you read on. My Catalina 30 has an outboard track only. It also has a short track on the cabin top but I was not able to use it with a 155. I've since sold the 155 and replaced it with a 135 but I'm having problems dealing with the safety lines. In other words, the safety lines don't allow me to use the system the way I want and to change from inboard to outboad as quickly as I want. Anyway, here is what the barberhauler does but it won't help you very much because you already have the inside tracks. You pick up the knot in speed by going from the outside track to the inside track in certain conditions. The inboard and outboard placement of the fairleads affects the sail angle and to a lesser extent, twist. In very light wind and as the wind increases, the fairleads should be moved outboard. This deceases the angle of attack and prevents the slot from being clogged. Also, in large seas, you want the fairleads outboard and a slightly eased jib sheet. If the fairlead is not moved outboard as the sheet is eased, the top of the sail will twist open and spill power and the bottom will hook in towards the boat creating drag. In heavy air and with the traveler down, the slot is clogged but by moving the fairleads outboard the slot opens for speed and reduced heeling but pointing will suffer a bit. OK, that covers the outboard placement. When do we need the inboard placement? Always use the inboard track when sailing close hauled. That placement allows you to point higher. In your case, you are already there on this point of sail with your inboard track but I only have the outboard track. Therefore, the only way I can compensate and keep up with you, is by using the barberhauler or crosshaul and merely pull in the jib sheet so it thinks it is on the inside track. In your case, since you race your boat, you should consider the outside track as it would help you in light wind, as the wind increases and in large seas. Before you run out to buy extra track and start drilling holes in your deck, see if you can rig something up on your rail to simulate the outside track and see if it changes anything for you.
