Mainsheet traveler indecision

[Douglas Marshall]

I recently purchased a 1972 oday 22. The boat has been modified to include a mainsheet traveler on the stern right in front of the backstay. I have yet to take the traveler off center, and due to this I've been thinking of removing it and devising some other mainsheet attachment. Due to the traveler placement, I have no way of raising my tiller more than a couple of inches and I feel that it would be a fair trade. I have seen some O22's with the mainsheet attached to what has been refered to as a backstay tensioner. Should I persue this route, or should I fashion some sort of centerline attachment? Any advice would be most welcome.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Try the traveler!

I would try the travler first. They really do make a difference when it comes to pointing ability and the ablity to depower the boat effectively in big winds. I would leave it installed and use it!Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Rich]

Second that motion

I agree with Justin on this--try the traveler. It's a much better boathandling rig than the original backstay mounted triangular plate apparatus. I mounted a traveler just aft of the companionway across the cockpit seats of my 22 and love it--I'm racing my boat in PHRF races and this past weekend beat a Catalina 36, a Catalina 34, a Hunter 32.6 and a Macgregor 26. I tried racing with the original backstay rig and that was like banging my head against a brick wall--no pointing ability, no depowering ability and no fine sail trimming adjustment. Without a traveler, you might as well fly bedsheets and forget about trimming sails at all. I would strongly recommend you keep the traveler unless you simply plan to daysail/cruise and don't care at all how well you point and are not inclined to sail in winds greater than 10 knots.As to the tiller raising problem, you might consider cutting your tiller just ahead of the traveler you have and mounting the two pieces together using a thru-bolted hinge on the top side. This should allow you to use the tiller almost normally in the down position but raise it up without hitting the traveler if needed.Happy sailing,Rich Lemmler, Jr.s/v TIME BANDIT1975 O'Day 22

 

[Jim]

Pictures????

I agree with Rich, and Justin. Keep what you have, you well have more control.With light winds (1-7) you would want to have the traveler on the windward side. With moderate winds (8-13) you would want the traveler in the center. Heavy winds (14 +) you would want the traveler leeward. These are approx. settings. Your boat may be more or less.If you get the chance, post some pictures of your setup. Others, including myself are always eager to help. Plus, you might be helping someone else who is interested in upgrading.Have fun..............JimS/V Dream Maker1975 O'Day 22

 

[Doug marshall]

decision made

I recently posed a question concerning removing my mainsheet traveler from my oday 22 and returning to the original configuration. All responses suggested that I keep the traveler and learn to use it properly. Thanks to all who replied, I will give it a try.

 

[Bruce]

Mainsheet Traveler suggestions for 192

I'm interested in using a traveler for the mainsheet rather than the current backstay mounting plate. Has anyone added one on the Oday 192. On one thread an Oday 222 owner mounted one just aft of the companionway. Could I do the same thing on mine. Any details or drawings with specs etc. would be appreciated.Thanks Bruce