lewmar traveler undersized

[Mystic51]

We have a beneteau 331. the 3:1 lewmar traveler seems undersized. In heavy air it is very difficult for us to adjust. I like using the traveler to get correct trim and would like one that is not such a beast to move under a heavy load. has anyone with a 331 or like boat tried a different traveler or modified the current one for greater purchase? any suggestions.

Jeff

 

[Gunni]

You might want to try dropping it down a generous few inches just prior to a tack - that's easy. Then on your new tack you simply drop it down to trim the main for conditions. This has the advantage of shortening your tack angle, as the sail powers up earlier. Alternatively, luff up for a second, depower the mainsheet briefly, and make her trimming chores easier

 

[Mystic51]

We do drop the traveler down before a tack and that works well. Jibing in heavy air we like to bring the traveler to the center and then sheet in some. Now when we jib there is far less force when the boom crosses over. The traveler is hard to move under load; especially for my wife. I have been thinking about changing from the stock 3:1 Lewmar to a 4:1 by maybe changing out the car and the end cap hardware. Now I need to find out what size Lewmar Beneteau uses on the 331.

 

[mac1840]

better leverage

We moved the jam cleats off the traveler to a position on either side of companion way entrance to make the overall process, either luffing up or dropping it down prior to a tack, easier from a leverage perspective. Our dodger limited our ability to easily rejam the cleat on the traveler so moving it inside the dodger worked out well.

 

[GWG]

I was able to add purchase by adding another block at each end--replace the single with a double. Got the parts from Lewmar.
I also wanted to move jam cleat from track to more easily accessible location, but couldn't make it work. Any pix available?

 

[Mystic51]

thanks GWG. Now I need to figure out what size lewmar traveler in on the 331. I assume that lermar helped you purchase the right blocks to attach to the current system.

 

[GWG]

traveller upgrade

It was a while ago, but I'm pretty sure Lewmar had a kit allowing me to add a double block to replace the single block at each end traveller. Used the same line that came with the boat