Flat traveler Catalina 30

[David Garrison]

Hi. I recently purchased a 1986 Catalina 30 which has the factory curved mid-boom traveler. Two questions: has anyone replaced the curved traveler with a flat traveler (such as the one from Garhauer)? Has anyone replaced their traveler cars and related equipment with new equipment? I am finding, like many, that the traveler tends to bind while under load and the cars don't slide worth a darn anyways.Any recommendations?Thanks,Davids/v Kindred Spiritp.s. I really appreciate the input that people have given on a couple other posts that I have made to the forum. Being a new boat owner can be a bit overwhelming at times (but exciting too). It's nice to communicate with people that enjoy their boats and are passionate about sailing. thanks!

 

[Hayden Watson]

I like it flat

My C30 tr/bs is a 1988 model and came from the factory with the flat traveler. The flat traveler makes it very fast and easy to adjust the mail sail. With a tall rig it is easy to get overpowered and the traveler is the best means of controlling it. I use a single line attached to both sides of the traveler which is long enough to loop over the binnacle. This makes it easy to adjust the traveler from the helm. The curved traveler doesn’t work as well because it changes the main sheet tension due to the curve.Hayden WatsonS/V Papillon1988 C30 tr/bsSpokane, WA

 

[Robert Moretti]

Lubricate first

On the Catalina 30 list at Sailnet, several owners report replacing the traveler with the new flat style from Garhauer. They absolutely love it. I haven't done it yet. Instead, I use a very slippery spray lubricant (3M Sailkote) on the track and car, which seems to help.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Rigid Boom Vang

I agree with the advantages of the flat over the curved traveler, but proper use of a boom vang can minimize the problems inherent in the curved traveler. You might want to invest in a rigid boom vang first and then decide if you need the flat traveler. My experience is that the cabin-top midboom sheeting location doesn't lend itself well to fine tuning with the traveler anyway.

 

[Todd Osborne]

Rig-Rite

Rig-Rite now has the Nicro-Fico (OEM) line of traveller components. If you choose not to go with the flat track from Garhauer and get new components for your existing track. you'll find what you need here.Here is their website WWW.rigrite.comI believe your track is the "NF610"godd luck!