Main Traveller

[sailorfox]

I just boat an O'day 27 as for my son and and I. It was built in 1976 and clearly over the years has been modified. My issue is the main sheet is not a fixed to a traveller but to a single point on the cockpit/transom - centre.

I would like to install a traveller. Where would you suggest I install a traveller?

 

[ENeedz]

I would mount it on top of the salon roof. You may need a bridge to cross the companionway. Run control cables back to the cockpit, even to the wheel to allow you to adjust the traveller when short handed. Make sue the point where the main sheet attaches to the boom is not less than half the distance to the mast or you may put too much stress on the boom.

 

[25yearslater]

I own this same boat; a 1976 Oday 27 that I have spent the last several months restoring. The original traveller setup can be seen under 'boat info/owner modifications' for the arrangement. Several problems associated with traveller placement on this boat need to be considered. The coach roof is balsa cored as are the cockpit settees. Given the load cycling that occurs under sail balsa is a bad choice for a core material. The bolt holes need constant maintenance to prevent seal failure and core rot due to water infiltration. Balsa is also a poor choice for compression strength. In areas subject to high compressive cyclic loads Oday used a plywood core. In my case the chainplate attachment for the mainsheet is what I am going with. The few degrees of pointing ability isn't worth the damage I have had to repair. If I can offer any other insight into the 27 let me know. You can also check out 'And so it begins' thread to get a look at a massive restoration project that looks at most everything that can be wrong with the 27.

 

[tcwaltz]

I have a 28 and my traveler is in top if the salon now. Very convenient since I have a full Bimini and dodger. I have two winches on top of the salon and had issues with compression due to some soft core. I drilled a1/2" hole through where the mounting holes were for the winch. I then opened the deck hole up to 5/8". From here I inserted 1/2" fiber glass rod through to the inside then through some smaller openings filled with epoxy. After cleanup I drilled new mounting holes through the fiberglass rod. I remounted the winch with a backing plate inside to distribute load and all is well in the world. No crush, no flex or leaks. I'd imagine you can do something similar for the traveler using larger rod if the core is soft