Cross-cockpit traveler installation

[Abby Normal]

I got a traveler system from another member on this forum thanks to the classified section.I plan to mount it just aft of the companionway across the cockpit on my MacGregor 25 which will leave an un-supported section of track across the cockpit well. Obviously, I need to back up the SS screws under the cockpit seats with some marine plywood to spread the load. Do I need to mount teak or a strip of HDPE between the length of the track and seat tops.I had given thought to thick gauge aluminum channel to help bear the load on the unsupported mid-section.Tips/suggestions?BTW- it's a Schaefer 1" x 1" x 48" track.

 

[Clark]

I don't think HDPE will provide much in the way of

support. Your needs will be based on how much of a span there is between seats and how wide your seats are. Are the seats and track flat? If so, that'll simplify things. I've seen unsupported track installations and the track was pretty beefy. Also, you may not have to use teak. IPE is a very similar to teak and costs a good bit less. I used some on an old Cal that I bought from a lumber supply house. Their application was for upscale decks and I got a 1"x6"x12' board for $27. That stuff is very dense and oily and looks like a slightly darker shade of teak.

 

[Timo42]

Shouldn't be a problem

If the schaefer track is like the harken track, which is 7/8"x1" it should be plenty strong to span the opening. Yours is a foot shorter than mine, just make sure you can get enough bolts in and back it up well. You will probably have to curve it slightly to match the angle of the seats, put it on 2 2x4s and jump on it. Tim

 

[sand sailor]

i would suggest moving it

further aft to be out of the way of traffic and to make sure the main sheet doesnt get hung up on the cabin or other people when sailing down wind also the ipe idea is a very good one

 

[sailingseadragon]

Not the same boat but same thought

While Sea Dragon is a different boat it has a similar configuration. I had the following modifications made to our traveler layout.The new configuration provides much better control of the main and a safer cockpit.http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Traveler.htmGood luckGarner

 

[Timo42]

take a 4' broomstick

with you next time you go out, I found that the back edge of the step area was the best compromise, room for 2 people on the seat, not a big enough space that someone would want to step in between the track and the companionway opening, far enough back so that you don't snag your compass or chartplotter if they are mounted to the bulkhead, when mounting the main sheet to the boom make sure it clears the poptop when up, mine is angled back just slightly and just barely interferes when on a beam reach if I don't run the traveller to the windward side. I posted a picture a couple of weeks ago but I can't find it now. Tim

 

[Abby Normal]

Done

I wound up mounting it directly to the seats, 8" aft of the companionway bulkhead. I've got a compass on the port side bulkhead and plotter mounted on the starboard, so right aft of the companionway was out of the question. Another limiting factor is there is a lazarette on the stbd side which ruled out mounting it any further aft. I promised the admiral I'd slit a piece of round foam (swimming pool noodle) to put over the track when we are coming and going from the boat so she doesn't bash a shin.There is a slight amount of camber to the seats, but tightening up the screws gradually in sequence from the cockpit center toward the coaming allowed for it to seat up flush.I'm pleased with the installation, there is no bind. I didn't get to test it out as the wind was pretty scarce yesterday after I was done with the installation. If I sense too much flex in the center, I'll do something about it, but I really don't think it'll be that much an issue on such a light boat, especially after pushing, pulling and standing on the unit.