Mainsheet Traveler

[Rich J]

I am thinking of installing a mainsheet traveler system, anybody have any sugestions? ie: over companionway, in cockpit etc... I have looked into the Harken system with "Risers" but the risers alone are over $400.00, has anyone come up with other ideas?help would be greatfull

 

[Dan Tobin]

Rich,I have the original system that came on my 1976 O'Day 27. It is bolted directly through the cockpit seats 2-3" from the companionway bulkhead. It is a straight aluminum traveler and does not use any risers. I don't have much to compare it to. My 25 had a similar arrangement, but it works well. The companionway option might work better when you really want to let the boom hang out on a run. With my setup, the main sheet ends up rubbing against the coaming/cabin side. In light winds, I sometimes need to push the boom out by hand to overcome the friction. Overall, I'd rather push the boom out once in a while instead of hitting my head on the traveler while exiting the cabin.Another user on this forum installed a traveler system over the companionway to add dodger or a bimini top. The original location was in the way of the new canvas. I can't remember which boat this was regarding, but clearance may be one of your considerations if you have, or plan on adding, any auxilliary canvas.Good Luck and Smooth Sailing!

 

[Red]

Mainsheet Traveler mods

I am looking at the same thing. Mine is a 76 model with the lower block mouinted on the transom. What a pain to use. HArken does put togehter several kits for the mid size range. I think they are about $350-$450 total though. Add control lines and you are set. Don't know anyone that has done it yet, so maybe we will be the first

 

[Dan Tobin]

Photos

Rich, Red,I have posted a couple of photos that show my "stock" traveler setup. They aren't great, but you should get the idea. They under the Photo Forum.Dan

 

[Jim Cook]

Traveller newbie

Please pardon the newbie... My '74 O'Day 27 doesn't have a traveller. What are the benefits?Thanks, Jim cook, Dream Chaser

 

[Paul Palmer]

Traveler

RichI am not familiar with the OD27 but I replaced the stock traveler on my OD25 with the Harken Small Boat Kit which is rated for boats from 20 to 27 ft. It is available from West Marine for $289.(part # 407361) They have a mid-range traveler kit for boats from 27 - 34 for an extra $100. You will need to add a track and the control line. The original traveler was about 1 inch forward of the cockpit in front of the hatchway. I wanted to mount the new traveler at the same location as the original to cover the bolt holes but the conrol block on the starboard end of the track would not let the seat locker open so I moved the cam cleats from the center bolt to the end bolt which allows me to swing the cam cleats around the end of the traveler track when I need access to the seat locker. It is working very well and is a 1000% improvement over the original traveler. Hope this helps.Paul