Mainsheet Traveler Substitute

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Faris

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Apr 20, 2011
232
Catalina 27 San Juan Islands
There was a discussion recently about mainsheet travelers, and some points were made regarding their benefits and the limits of their usefulness. I can get on just fine without one, but I'm not a big fan of the mainsheet rigging on my V22. It is rigged on the transom with the upside-down "V" configuration that I think is how they came from the factory. (Does anyone know what that configuration is called?)

On everything up to about a beam reach, I don't mind it. But, above that, the lack of control over sail shape is kind of a drag.

So, it occurs to me that the "V" rigging could be modified to yield the benefits of a traveler without giving up any precious cockpit space on this smallish boat. If I replace the double-block on the boom with a side-by-side double-block, then put a single block with becket on each corner of the transom with a swivel cam cleat, I can run two separate sheets - one on each side. By being able to adjust each sheet independently, I ought to be able to do everything I could do with a traveler.

Granted, it would be a little weird to adjust as compared to a traveler, but it seems like a good compromise.

I don't think I've ever seen this done. Anyone ever see this? Thoughts?
 
Timo42

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
It's called a preventer, iirc Novelman, who used to post here had his 22 rigged in a similar fashion, but at the midboom, which put the controls in front of you. A friend has his 30'er rigged that way, it's kind of a pita, but less work to install than a traveler.
 
caguy

caguy

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Sep 22, 2006
4,004
Catalina, Luger C-27, Adventure 30 Marina del Rey
if sail shape is your only concern, just add a boom vang.
 
timebandit

timebandit

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Jun 3, 2004
1,863
Macgregor 25 So. Cal.
I second a boom vang, that is what you really need

or--

You could control your main just like a jib with dual sheets
 
F

Faris

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Apr 20, 2011
232
Catalina 27 San Juan Islands
Yeah, a boom vang is going in soon anyway, but it won't solve everything. The problem with the current rigging is that I can't really get the boom close to center with any control over sail shape. The vang doesn't do anything at that point of sail.

Granted, the boom vang is definitely the more pressing issue. Not having one in 15-20 kt winds almost made it not fun. Had a hard time controlling weather helm - not to the point of being dangerous, but to the point of being work.
 
timebandit

timebandit

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Jun 3, 2004
1,863
Macgregor 25 So. Cal.
I have considered using the upper rail on the pushpit for a traveler and a 2 to 1 block and tackle for the main sheet.

A traveler there would be about 28 inches and should allow the boom to be centered and not use much line on either and keep the cockpit clear.
 
Timo42

Timo42

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Mar 26, 2007
1,042
Venture 22 Marina del Rey
timebandit said:
I have considered using the upper rail on the pushpit for a traveler and a 2 to 1 block and tackle for the main sheet.

A traveler there would be about 28 inches and should allow the boom to be centered and not use much line on either and keep the cockpit clear.
Click to expand
Given the forces involved, the apparent stength of the railing, and the lack of reinforcement in that area of the coaming, that sounds...expensive. :eek:

Honest, :dance: the midboom traveler is easy to install, doesn't take up much useable space in the cockpit, and is in front of you for easier operation. :soapbox:
 
Freedom77

Freedom77

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Jul 29, 2010
1,392
Macgregor 76 V-25 #928 Lake Mead, Nevada
Hi Faris: I installed a pad eye on the step on my V-222 and then set up a four to one block and tackle with a cam cleat on the lower block. Worked great, cleared out the cockpit and was easy to remove when not under sail. Sorry I don't have a picture but it's a great improvement. Fair Winds and Full Sails...
 
Merlin Clark

Merlin Clark

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Oct 26, 2005
2,057
- - Satellite Beach, FL.
I just did this on my Morgan. Needed to get the traveler out of the cockpit. Haven't had a chance to sail it yet and will be adding a vang shortly. My traveler was only about 3 1/2 feet long so I didn't have any or much more control than I will with this rig.
Called a double mainsheet.
 

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Merlin Clark

Merlin Clark

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Oct 26, 2005
2,057
- - Satellite Beach, FL.
Faris said:
Yeah, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Please let me know how it works out for you.
Click to expand
Will do Faris, If I get the chance I'll take her out today or tomorrow. Hauling late this week and want to try it out first.
 
FourPoints

FourPoints

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Apr 8, 2010
1,606
Frers 33 41426 Westport, CT
Faris said:
There was a discussion recently about mainsheet travelers, and some points were made regarding their benefits and the limits of their usefulness. I can get on just fine without one, but I'm not a big fan of the mainsheet rigging on my V22. It is rigged on the transom with the upside-down "V" configuration that I think is how they came from the factory. (Does anyone know what that configuration is called?)
Click to expand
It's called a Crosby rigged main sheet, and yes they SUCK at going to windward. :cussing:
 
F

Faris

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Apr 20, 2011
232
Catalina 27 San Juan Islands
Yes they do. They only thing I sort of like about it is that it somewhat dampens the boom if it comes across hard.
 
F

Faris

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Apr 20, 2011
232
Catalina 27 San Juan Islands
That's quite the setup Cuscus. I can see the advantage in terms of the convenience of the location of the sheets. Does this get to be a problem blocking the crew from moving across the cockpit? What I'm not seeing is how/if this offers a trimming advantage over the Crosby rig. Since the middle block at the aft end of the boom can move freely, it seems that you can't adjust the tension of the sheets independently. That is, you really only have one sheet, but can adjust it from either side. Is that the case or am I misinterpreting the photos?
 
THECUSCUS

THECUSCUS

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Sep 25, 2008
961
Macgregor & Island Packet VENTURE 25 & IP-38 NORTH EAST, MD
Faris, that is correct, only one sheet, but can adjust from either side (preferably the windward side). It doesn't hamper the movement of crew at all, and it allows the helmsman or the jib trimmer to adjust the main or a third person.
 
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