The previous owner put on a Harken Windward Sheeting traveler. I really like it. The only problems I have had are the bearings have gotten a little rough so I will replace them this year. This will probably cost about $20 and they lasted probably about 8 years.
The only other problem I have had is that in super light/no winds, if the main sail is slatting, the traveler will release itself and flop around. I'm going to put on some end controls w/cleats to solve this problem. The end controls will also let me bump up the 2:1 traveler adjustment to 3:1 or more. I've found there is quite a bit of pressure on the control lines while out in heavy winds.
I've got Harken blocks for the mainsheet. I went with ball bearing blocks w/ratchet on the lower block (blocks 1559 and 1556?). The ball bearings really help in getting the boom to go out in very light air and the ratchet works well to feather the main for depowering in heavy air. I've got a 4:1 setup, and there is a fair amount of tension on the bitter end of the sheet in heavy air.
I was thinking that a 3:1 gross with a fine tune might be ideal, but I don't know if such a thing exists. -Tim
The end controls will
