Cockpit vs Cabintop traveller

[Hooked 35s5]

We recently bought a 1993 35s5. The previous owner moved the traveller from the cabintop to the cockpit. We would like to move it back to the cabintop. The track is still there. We've found Amiot replacement parts (car and end controllers) and plan on ordering them soon. Can someone please show us how to best rig the mainsheet to the boom when the traveller is on the cabin top? Is it best to distribute blocks along the boom or can we have one point of attachment? There are several loops available - which one would we use if we go with one point of attachment? The mainsheet we have for the cockpit traveller is a triple block on the boom and a double at the car. Can we reuse these or should we get a different setup? Will we need more purchase with it on the cabin top?
Thanks for your help!
Stacy

 

[Randy Rohrbeck]

I've got the Amoit traveller and am not especially happy with it. Although maybe the ones Beneteau used on the 35's were a higher quality than the ones on the 310.

Have you thought about contacting someone like Gaurhauer Marine. I'm know they can make a new track, car, and ends that would fit on your old risers.

 

[larryw]

I second Randy; go with a Garhauer system. It may seem non-costeffective to replace parts you already have, but you'll be happier in the long run.

 

[Ron20324]

Is there something wrong with the performance of the blocks you presently have? Sorry I'm not near the boat to take a picture of my B323, but it sounds like your original setup is what I have. You would use 2 or 3 blocks on the boom and a double on the traveler to spread out the load on the boom. If you look at the Beneteau Syselios parts site, maybe they have a picture of your boat?

 

[Hooked 35s5]

Re: Garhauer system

I second Randy; go with a Garhauer system. It may seem non-costeffective to replace parts you already have, but you'll be happier in the long run.

Thanks, Randy and Larry for the advice. Since I already have a Harken car and end controllers from the track in the cockpit, is there any reason you would discourage me from replacing the cabintop track with a Harken brand and reusing my existing equipment? Strictly Sail will be in Chicago the end of this month, and both Harken and Garhauer will be there. I can ask them too.
Stacy

 

[Hooked 35s5]

Re: using current block

Is there something wrong with the performance of the blocks you presently have? Sorry I'm not near the boat to take a picture of my B323, but it sounds like your original setup is what I have. You would use 2 or 3 blocks on the boom and a double on the traveler to spread out the load on the boom. If you look at the Beneteau Syselios parts site, maybe they have a picture of your boat?

Ron, The blocks I have are fine. My question is more about what I should expect moving the track forward. Will I need more purchase to control the boom with the traveller closer to the mast? If so, does spreading the blocks out along the boom provide that or doesn't it matter? Guess I'm showing my ignorance about mechanical advantage.
Stacy

 

[DougM]

Spreading the blocks on the boom just helps to distribute the load so that it is not at a single point on the boom. A Harken car and track will help the traveller to move more freely. I replaced all of my blocks with Harken Carbos and it made everything run more freely. I'm a Harken fan because of many years of experience with their equipment when I raced. However, I really have nothing against Garhauer.

I replaced my original equipment Lewmar blocks because of problems with the mainsheet jamming between the sheave and the block frame. That adventure cost me a mainsheet because I had to cut it

 

[Randy Rohrbeck]

I suggested Gaurhauer because I know they will custom build the track so you could reuse the Amoit risers and won't be drilling new holes in the cabin top.

I believe either Gaurhauer or Harkin would be good choice, I'd go with which ever one you believe will provide the best value.

Randy

 

[maxvmg]

The 35s5's sold in France use a traveler on a track just aft of the companionway for improved sheeting angle and quick accessibility from the cockpit. For cruising, cabin top should be fine except when you're short handed or solo.