Poor man's traveler?

[Bilgewater]

Looking at the items in the chandlery section I came upon the Dutchman Boom Brake. This item is supposed to control the boom in jibes, allowing slow movement across the cockpit, or locked in place as desired. I was wondering, could this take the place of a traveler for those of us that don't have one already? My H26 (tiller steering) doesn't have a traveler, and I don't like the idea of mounting one on top of the seats in front of the companionway. That would take up a premium lounging area. Mounting one above the companionway won't work with the dodger I have. What do you think?

 

[HAL]

Traveler Brake

Our H260 has a boom brake .It slows the boom by line tension. When you release the tension the boom rises. I haven’t used a traveler but as I understand it the most important functions are:Direct downward pull by the mainsheet when the boom is off center. The brake does exert downward pull somewhat similar to a vang.Changing angle of attack without allowing the boom to rise. The brake allows the boom to move without rising substantially, if it is highly tensioned and you let out on the mainsheet but you will have to loosen the brake if you want to sheet in or else you will be fighting the brake.It doesn't appear to be built to take over the functions of the mainsheet traveler setup in boom control, just to slow or resist the booms movement in a jibe. We haven't used it all that long, so still experimenting.

 

[crazy dave condon]

never recommend a traveler

Over 95 % of folks never know how to use a traveler. Hard to put one on unless you put it in front of the companionway. If the mast is raked correctly, then you really do not need one. Sailed them ever since I introduced hull 1