Hello All, I have an '84 Cat 27 that has mid boom sheeting with the curved traveler. I am racing the boat, and find the current set-up less than ideal - .............etc
Kopite, you're definitely on the right track by moving to end boom sheeting if you're concerned about performance.
If you put the track just aft of the rudder post, like it is on the earlier models, the sheet has an angle to the boom end. To prevent excessive wear on the tang and the boom's end cap attachment, I lashed a couple loops of poly webbing just in case. I got that idea from other race boats after mine broke loose one day (yikes, but it was less dramatic than you might think).
Anyway, my suggestion for a new traveler would simply be to bridge the new track from coaming top to coaming top... pretty much directly above where the older model C27's like mine have theirs. I think the height increase would actually help performance by increasing the traveler's range by allowing the mainsheet more clearance over the lifeline. If I were racing I would disconnect the top lifeline anyway. If you use the "hi bar" style track you may not need to build a complicated bridge with those incredibly expensive SS risers. Rather I think a nice looking, heavy block of hardwood bolted into the coaming's sidewall, would allow you to extend the track right across to the outside edge of the coaming where you can anchor the end caps. So the wide coaming top's surface and the 2 or 3 inch of the block would give solid support. Design wise, the block needs a drain to let water on the bench pass through. Or maybe even not take it all the way down... I don't know, it sounds like you're capable of designing something that makes sense and looks nice.
Regarding the traveler itself... maximizing the range is a priority, that's why I suggested the coaming mount, but it is also why I'm suggestion NOT putting the blocks and cleats on the track ends like a lot of systems you see these days. First of all, because you will have the increased leverage that the boom will provide you only need 2:1 or 3:1 purchase for car control. On my rig I use 5/16 club quality dacron double braid, run continuously from one side to the other, rather than two separate control lines. I really encourage you to set yours up this way. It makes keeping things organized much easier and you can sit on the coaming closer to the bulkhead and still have no trouble uncleating or finding the new end after you turn. If you don't like it that way, then just cut the line in half and use it as two separate lines. The other thing is to route the line forward before mounting the cleats. My boat, because the track is at bench level, has the cleats mounted on the side of the coaming. The cleats have fair lead to keep the lines captive. If you have them mounted on to of the coaming you could put the cleats on a swivel base... that would allow you to set and release from the opposite of the cockpit easily. I envy you if you set yours up that way. I use the tiller pilot arm's peg on the tiller to kind of snag the continous line for easy, quick access, because I use the traveler alot more than the mainsheet when sailing upwind... I'm sure you do also or you wouldn't be making these alterations.
So in my 2:1 system, the line is anchored at an eyestrap on the coaming wall near the track. It goes up to a small block on the car (the car has a pivoting shackle, because the mainsheet tackle is angled to the boom as mentioned earlier) the back to a halyard style block (some people call the up and over)...but you could just install a bullet block with a padeye.... then it goes forward about a foot or so to the cam cleat mounted vertically, and angled up a bit for easier operation. You could easily increase to 3:1 by replacing the car's block with one that has a becket, and adding the old car block to the track end side.
Okay.... that's pretty chatty of me, so I'll just say yes, do it and PM me if you have questions. The transition shouldn't be too costly ... just remember that you'll need less purchase , meaning smoother operation, meaning you'll use it more. Good Luck.
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