Tradeoffs
Some comments: 1) The attachment point of the mainsheet system to the boom has a direct relationship to a) the effort required to sheet in the main, and b) the stresses applied to your boom. 2) The attachment point of the mainsheet traveller system to the boat usually has a direct relationship to comfort and convenience. Cabin top is usually provides the least disruption to the cockpit area. Travellers mounted in the cockpit area can get in the way, and cause problems with unexpected gybes, etc. So, to move it to your cabin top, you would: a) need to make sure your boom was strong enough. b) need to ensure that your cabin top is sufficient strong, as the traveller loads will be higher than a traveller mounted further aft. c) purchase the appropriate new traveller. Probably needs to be self-supporting, and requires special end supports in order to place the traveller above the hatch cover. d) you might want to increase the purchase of your mainsheet system, or make it a two speed system to make it easier to sheet in. e) you will likely not be able to sheet in the main from the wheel of your boat (maybe not a big deal) Hunter's newer boats try to solve this by adding a flying bridge thingy over the rear of the cockpit in order to have a mainsheet locate aft on the boom (easy to sheet in), but above peoples heads (does not interfere with comfort). Hope that helps. Chris
