I am NEWWWWWWWWWWWW to sailing. So new-I have never sailed. Long story short my husband is buying a sailboat without a traveler. Is this a concern, are there benefits to having one? Thanks everyone.
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How big is the boat?
Also, did it used to have one? If so, what happened to it? Lots of small boats (less than 18')don't have travelers.
Also, did it used to have one? If so, what happened to it? Lots of small boats (less than 18')don't have travelers.
Hear is a real answer
Having a traveler gives you a addition method of controling the Mainsail. Easing the traveler to leward dumps wind off the main. We use this when we get hit by a gust of wind and begin healing too much. We ease out the traveler, dump sum excess wind and reduce healing.
Having a traveler gives you a addition method of controling the Mainsail. Easing the traveler to leward dumps wind off the main. We use this when we get hit by a gust of wind and begin healing too much. We ease out the traveler, dump sum excess wind and reduce healing.
traveler
Dana, The more general principal of a traveler is to be able to leave the main sheet tension steady while still adjusting the trim. Everything Kenneth said is exactly true. When my boat is over on her ear with too much sail. The first thing I do is drop the traveler to the leeward. This keeps the sail shape the same but reduces the healing force by dumping wind. Light air, you move it the other way. That said, my first boat did not have a traveler. That was an Oday 20 btw. It sailed great and was a lot of fun. I was learning how to sail on this boat and never missed the traveler. I was quite busy figuring out everything else. Now that I have a bigger boat I like the more efficient sailing in different conditions that a one provides. You could aways add one later too!
Dana, The more general principal of a traveler is to be able to leave the main sheet tension steady while still adjusting the trim. Everything Kenneth said is exactly true. When my boat is over on her ear with too much sail. The first thing I do is drop the traveler to the leeward. This keeps the sail shape the same but reduces the healing force by dumping wind. Light air, you move it the other way. That said, my first boat did not have a traveler. That was an Oday 20 btw. It sailed great and was a lot of fun. I was learning how to sail on this boat and never missed the traveler. I was quite busy figuring out everything else. Now that I have a bigger boat I like the more efficient sailing in different conditions that a one provides. You could aways add one later too!
That is a complex question!
A traveler is not a "neccessity", though it is highly desirable when you know how to use it to improve the performance of your mainsail. It is a bit like comparing automobiles with 3-speed vs. 5-speed transmissions or washing machines with 3 cycles versus those with 7 cycles. The basic models will get the job done, but the others will do it more efficiently. Lack of one should not be much of a factor in deciding on a boat if: it was a small to mid-sized boat, the boat was in good shape, and it was being sold at a great price. You can add a high quality traveler for less than $500. There is no rush to do so until you learn how to use one. Best of luck and have fun learning.
A traveler is not a "neccessity", though it is highly desirable when you know how to use it to improve the performance of your mainsail. It is a bit like comparing automobiles with 3-speed vs. 5-speed transmissions or washing machines with 3 cycles versus those with 7 cycles. The basic models will get the job done, but the others will do it more efficiently. Lack of one should not be much of a factor in deciding on a boat if: it was a small to mid-sized boat, the boat was in good shape, and it was being sold at a great price. You can add a high quality traveler for less than $500. There is no rush to do so until you learn how to use one. Best of luck and have fun learning.
traveler not needed
Especially when learning to sail. A lot depends upon your style of sailing. Some people are fiddler's and constantly fiddle with sail adjustments. About the time they get everything perfectly adjusted the wind shifts or it's time to tack. this is particularly true if you are lake sailing with hills and mountains nearby. there is nothing wrong with fiddling!!! Been known to do it myself. But usually I am a slob sailer. If we are moving in the right direction and nothing is flapping too much why adjust??? I do use my traveler and boom vang and outhaul and downhaul but not that much. And it depends upon the day. If the wind is steady and there are no dolphins or other distractions I'll fine tune. But you can probably get 90% of maximum performance by just adjusting your sheets.
Especially when learning to sail. A lot depends upon your style of sailing. Some people are fiddler's and constantly fiddle with sail adjustments. About the time they get everything perfectly adjusted the wind shifts or it's time to tack. this is particularly true if you are lake sailing with hills and mountains nearby. there is nothing wrong with fiddling!!! Been known to do it myself. But usually I am a slob sailer. If we are moving in the right direction and nothing is flapping too much why adjust??? I do use my traveler and boom vang and outhaul and downhaul but not that much. And it depends upon the day. If the wind is steady and there are no dolphins or other distractions I'll fine tune. But you can probably get 90% of maximum performance by just adjusting your sheets.
Tom, I can't let this go by.
If the boat does not have a traveler is one thing and adding one might not work out. But for a couple new to sailing it is a key piece. When sailing to weather in a breeze with puffs being able to drop the main down with the traveler and keeping the boat flat can be huge in keeping the wife on the boat. On all my Hunter boat we have had 3 so far giving my wife the traveler line to control the amount of heel during a puff has been HUGE. She then controls the amount of heel the boat has just by dropping it down a few inches. When we get beyond her comfort zone she drops it down. Now this can be controlled to some extent with the main sheet but in these type of conditions she might not be able to pull the main sheet back to where it was. Being able to control the main is a huge the thing, the traveler though not on all boats is a key part of the puzzle. Best thing they could do for just starting is to center it. But when the wind pipes up and it will, being able to drop it down to depower the main could be the factor in a newbie going back on the water and even worse it is the end of ther sailing. If the boat does not have one then that is fine they will just need to adjust. But telling them it is not needed when it could be a very useful tool is not so good. Cliff H 28.5 "Red Dog"
If the boat does not have a traveler is one thing and adding one might not work out. But for a couple new to sailing it is a key piece. When sailing to weather in a breeze with puffs being able to drop the main down with the traveler and keeping the boat flat can be huge in keeping the wife on the boat. On all my Hunter boat we have had 3 so far giving my wife the traveler line to control the amount of heel during a puff has been HUGE. She then controls the amount of heel the boat has just by dropping it down a few inches. When we get beyond her comfort zone she drops it down. Now this can be controlled to some extent with the main sheet but in these type of conditions she might not be able to pull the main sheet back to where it was. Being able to control the main is a huge the thing, the traveler though not on all boats is a key part of the puzzle. Best thing they could do for just starting is to center it. But when the wind pipes up and it will, being able to drop it down to depower the main could be the factor in a newbie going back on the water and even worse it is the end of ther sailing. If the boat does not have one then that is fine they will just need to adjust. But telling them it is not needed when it could be a very useful tool is not so good. Cliff H 28.5 "Red Dog"
One other point
Everything previously said is true; however, the real reason for a traveler is to maintain sail shape while powering up (pulling to windward) or powering down (to leeward) while hoding a rhum line (as in racing). If you are just out for a joy ride, easing the main sheet will accomplish the same results.
Everything previously said is true; however, the real reason for a traveler is to maintain sail shape while powering up (pulling to windward) or powering down (to leeward) while hoding a rhum line (as in racing). If you are just out for a joy ride, easing the main sheet will accomplish the same results.
one other thought
Performance issues aside, if your main is sheeted somewhere in the floor of the cockpit it is less comfortable for guests, spouse, dog, etc. when you tack or jibe. By putting a traveler across the transom or on the cabin top, you may free up cockpit space and add to comfort.
Performance issues aside, if your main is sheeted somewhere in the floor of the cockpit it is less comfortable for guests, spouse, dog, etc. when you tack or jibe. By putting a traveler across the transom or on the cabin top, you may free up cockpit space and add to comfort.
Benefits of a Traveler
The traveler is used to change the angle of attack of the sail. Like the wings of an airplane the angle of attack dictates the amount of lift generated by the wind flowing over the airfoil shaped wing. The angle at which the sail is set against the apparent wind determines the amount of energy the sail will generate. By decreasing the angle of attack the sail is de-powered and becomes less efficient, or in other words the sailboat will go slower. A sailboat without a traveler has a constant angle of attack which can only be adjusted by the mainsheet. Using the mainsheet to adjust the angle of attack will also change the twist and draft of the sail or in other words the airfoil shape of the sail. The distortion is because the mainsheet will pull down on the boom or let the boom raise if you let out the mainsheet, changing the airfoil shape of the sail. The traveler adjusts the angle of attack without changing the airfoil shape of the sail, it only changes the angle in which the wind is blowing over the sail. You can also change the amount of energy the sail will generate by changing the airfoil shape of the sail. The sails of a sailboat are like the wings on an airplane. Changing the aerodynamic airfoil shape of the sail by flattening the sail and making it less like the curved shape of an airplane's wing will reduce the amount of lift or forward motion generated by the wind over the sail. Sailing is using the wind to generate forward motion by adjusting the shape of the sails, the angle of attack the wind is blowing over the sails and the direct the sailboat is heading in. I can only tell you what a traveler is used for, as to whether it’s a deal breaker if a sailboat doesn't have one, its your decision. Fair Winds, Clyde
The traveler is used to change the angle of attack of the sail. Like the wings of an airplane the angle of attack dictates the amount of lift generated by the wind flowing over the airfoil shaped wing. The angle at which the sail is set against the apparent wind determines the amount of energy the sail will generate. By decreasing the angle of attack the sail is de-powered and becomes less efficient, or in other words the sailboat will go slower. A sailboat without a traveler has a constant angle of attack which can only be adjusted by the mainsheet. Using the mainsheet to adjust the angle of attack will also change the twist and draft of the sail or in other words the airfoil shape of the sail. The distortion is because the mainsheet will pull down on the boom or let the boom raise if you let out the mainsheet, changing the airfoil shape of the sail. The traveler adjusts the angle of attack without changing the airfoil shape of the sail, it only changes the angle in which the wind is blowing over the sail. You can also change the amount of energy the sail will generate by changing the airfoil shape of the sail. The sails of a sailboat are like the wings on an airplane. Changing the aerodynamic airfoil shape of the sail by flattening the sail and making it less like the curved shape of an airplane's wing will reduce the amount of lift or forward motion generated by the wind over the sail. Sailing is using the wind to generate forward motion by adjusting the shape of the sails, the angle of attack the wind is blowing over the sails and the direct the sailboat is heading in. I can only tell you what a traveler is used for, as to whether it’s a deal breaker if a sailboat doesn't have one, its your decision. Fair Winds, Clyde
question
On my C22, I've never really noticed much of a difference where the traveler is kept and always adjust the sheet to spill wind. Is this because the traveler is too small or is it that I'm not too observant? I notice on friends much larger boats the traveler connects closer to mid boom and has alot more adjustment. Mine is less than two feet.
On my C22, I've never really noticed much of a difference where the traveler is kept and always adjust the sheet to spill wind. Is this because the traveler is too small or is it that I'm not too observant? I notice on friends much larger boats the traveler connects closer to mid boom and has alot more adjustment. Mine is less than two feet.
Also Confused
Doesn't the boom vang do the same thing as the traveler as far as keeping tension on the leach and thereby maintaining sail shape?
Doesn't the boom vang do the same thing as the traveler as far as keeping tension on the leach and thereby maintaining sail shape?
C22 Heel
Carl: Even on the 22, the traveler is helpful, or at least it is on mine. It allows me to reduce heel and keep speed up while heading upwind in a stronger wind when I set the traveler over toward the lee side (makes a flatter sail that spills some wind), or to go a little faster in lighter winds if I set it toward the windward. With the standard traveler on at least older 22's, you need to pull and clinch the traveler in place over toward the gunnels (some folks even route their traveler lines forward to near the cabin so the crew can do this). I requires just a little feel to balance the traveler and mainsheet to get the max boat speed and not too much heeling. A caution is to release the traveler as you tack as it has to be reset to the other side after you go thru the wind. Dick
Carl: Even on the 22, the traveler is helpful, or at least it is on mine. It allows me to reduce heel and keep speed up while heading upwind in a stronger wind when I set the traveler over toward the lee side (makes a flatter sail that spills some wind), or to go a little faster in lighter winds if I set it toward the windward. With the standard traveler on at least older 22's, you need to pull and clinch the traveler in place over toward the gunnels (some folks even route their traveler lines forward to near the cabin so the crew can do this). I requires just a little feel to balance the traveler and mainsheet to get the max boat speed and not too much heeling. A caution is to release the traveler as you tack as it has to be reset to the other side after you go thru the wind. Dick
Boom Vang
Boom vang is mostly used to keep the boom from lifting on a reach or off the wind. But it also does apply a little more down pressure when sailing to weather. Cliff H 28.5 "Red Dog"
Boom vang is mostly used to keep the boom from lifting on a reach or off the wind. But it also does apply a little more down pressure when sailing to weather. Cliff H 28.5 "Red Dog"
Tiller also adjusts angle of attack
A traveler is useful no argument. But it is not essential. A boom vang will flatten the sail and heading up a little will dump the sails. Usually if you are working to the windward a lift is appreciated!!!!! Heading up gets you closer to the wind. dropping the traveler doesn't. If the wind is shifting around and you head up in the gusts/shifts that balances having to fall off. Sure there are times when you want to maintain a heading but what sailer doesn't appreciate a lift when tacking up a bay??? I've sailed with and without a traveler. I do think that it really helps to either have a traveler or a boom vang for sailing off of the wind to pull the sail down and flat. On the downside a traveler is a pain in the cockpit. Messes up the cushions and always seems tobe in the way.
A traveler is useful no argument. But it is not essential. A boom vang will flatten the sail and heading up a little will dump the sails. Usually if you are working to the windward a lift is appreciated!!!!! Heading up gets you closer to the wind. dropping the traveler doesn't. If the wind is shifting around and you head up in the gusts/shifts that balances having to fall off. Sure there are times when you want to maintain a heading but what sailer doesn't appreciate a lift when tacking up a bay??? I've sailed with and without a traveler. I do think that it really helps to either have a traveler or a boom vang for sailing off of the wind to pull the sail down and flat. On the downside a traveler is a pain in the cockpit. Messes up the cushions and always seems tobe in the way.
To answer Ed...
No, the vang and traveller are not really the same thing. The best way to see how this all works is to go out on a medium wind day with a decently steady breeze. Center the traveler, and then sight up your sail looking at the alignment of the top batten with the boom (the "twist" in the main). Now drop the traveler and sight up it again. Now ease the vang and look up again. Etc, etc... Keep tweaking with it to see the effect of each. The general rule of thumb is to keep the top batten parallel with the boom, and the sail as full or flat as conditions dictate, with your leach telltales streaming cleanly. The mainsheet does not provide control over the twist of the sail. The combination of sheet, vang, traveller, outhaul, downhaul, and halyard give you that control. Now, with all of this said - for just bombing around and sipping a cool one, you don't have to worry about most of this! - AndyS
No, the vang and traveller are not really the same thing. The best way to see how this all works is to go out on a medium wind day with a decently steady breeze. Center the traveler, and then sight up your sail looking at the alignment of the top batten with the boom (the "twist" in the main). Now drop the traveler and sight up it again. Now ease the vang and look up again. Etc, etc... Keep tweaking with it to see the effect of each. The general rule of thumb is to keep the top batten parallel with the boom, and the sail as full or flat as conditions dictate, with your leach telltales streaming cleanly. The mainsheet does not provide control over the twist of the sail. The combination of sheet, vang, traveller, outhaul, downhaul, and halyard give you that control. Now, with all of this said - for just bombing around and sipping a cool one, you don't have to worry about most of this! - AndyS
Clyde said it all
Clydes' words of wisdom said it all. If you really want to know what/how to benefit from the traveler read Clydes' post. After reading it and you still don't understand then you are probably right. "The traveler just messes up the cockpit and you can/should do without it."
Clydes' words of wisdom said it all. If you really want to know what/how to benefit from the traveler read Clydes' post. After reading it and you still don't understand then you are probably right. "The traveler just messes up the cockpit and you can/should do without it."
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