Change to mid boom sheeting?

[Joetech]

I have a C-22 at the present time and have a few post on that forum. I am looking to move to a larger boat. I have an opportunity to buy a 1977 C-27 which has been well maintained over the years. It has a gas Atomic 4 which seems to run well. One thing I like about newer models is mid boom sheeting of the main. Older models have boom end sheeting like my C-22. I prefer the mid boom sheeting for several reasons. It clears up the cockpit, makes room for a bimini.
Is it possible to change a 77 boom to mid boom? the traveler could be moved to over the hatch. I have access to a machine shop so making risers over the hatch is not a problem. Question is, are the booms significantly different? Could the boom be reinforced, if necessary?

 

[hewebb]

My C 25 is mid boom sheet with out a traveler. Fiddle blocks with cam cleats are mounted on the bulkhead next to the companionway. I like the way it works. I would think a C 27 would be similar. Going in and out of the cabin is not an issue while under sail.

 

[Joe]

You can convert.... Garhaurer makes a traveller kit and will consult you on the conversion should you choose to spend more money.... If you use the old gear, the track should be mounted on a bridge for additional strength, because the hatch is so wide. I would increase purchase to 6:1 and spread boom blocks to distribute weight.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Mid boom sheeting puts a lot more strain on the boom. There is a lot more leverage with end boom sheeting. The boom has to be strong enough to take the additional load.

 

[jrowan]

As long as you modify your tackle arrangement for mid boom sheeting as the original specifications with three blocks & rings mounted one in the center & the other two mounted on poosite sides of the center block on mounting rings, then the load is evenly distributed on the boom & does not create a problem. I can assure you that Catalina did not upgrade the aluminum boom stock to accomodate mid boom sheeting, they just increased the purchase of the traveller rig with 3 blocks, plus a forward turning block arrangement beneath the mast to allow the mainsheet to run aft to the cockpit. You will gain a cleaner cockpit & allow for a bimini, but the trade off is that it is harder to reach the main sheet to adjust it when single handed sailing. But its nice to not have the main sheet tackle not hit U in the head when going about or jibing!
ps. You will also need a winch installed on the aft end of the cabin top in order to give you necessary torque to haul in on the main sheet, with the mid boom setup.

 

[Buzzlovelace]

Mid boom traveler

I bought a track system at a boater yard sale for $20, Then bought the risers from garhauer for $160. I thought it was alot until I saw how nice they were, worth every penny, Made a big difference in the cockpit

 

[Joetech]

Thanks for the replies

Buzz - that looks very nice. For now I think I will forgo any purchases of a 27.
Local season is over and unless a perfect boat falls in my lap at the right price and place I'll stick with the c-22 for one more season. After reading a lot of forums etc I think my ideal boat would be:
C-27 with the mid galley (but not a show stopper if its in the more traditional companionway location)
Diesel engine
Mid boom sheeting (looks like a 79 or later if my research is correct
prefer a tiller but a wheel is not a show stopper either
Lead keel some earlier years were iron but I think later models were always lead.
Roller furler -I can always install my own. I did with my C-22
A Capital Newport is not out of the question either. I know a guy who may want it sell his. I think it's an 84 with all of the above (except galley location) and I know he has taken excellent care of it the last 5 years or so he has owned it.