Have hunter 336. Considering moving mainsheet traveller from cockpit console to cabin top. Anyone done this? Advice? Suggestions?
thanks
thanks
Re locating Mainsheet traveller
- Thread starter capseaquel
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,884
Anything can be done to the rigging. That does noto mean you should do it... Or it means that you will change the design and engineering that went into your boat. If you choose that path assure that you will not be creating problems that do not exist presently.
The change to from the cockpit to the cabin top means you will be changing the forces on the boom. You likely have a single point of attachment at the boom end. This location means more control with less force on the boom.
When you move the attachment point to the middle of the boom it takes more effort (force) to adjust the boom (mainsail). The solution is to spread the force over several points on the boom. You will need to get a traveler that is smooth to run and fits the space you have on the deck. You will need to secure the traveler carefully on the cabin. This will mean taking down the head liner to through bolt the traveler. Use properly sized backing plates on the bolts. The traveler will carry the full force of the mainsail during a blow.
Here is a picture of a 1995 Hunter 336.
The rigging shows 3 blocks attached to the boom, with the mainsheet running down to the deck and back to the cockpit. Control for the mainsail in this image would be the traveler. You will find the adjustment is different than the way you have sailed your rig. If you have a dodger then you have some more modifications to make.
Think the project out carefully and see if having the traveler on the cabin top will be better for movement around the cockpit, but less convenient or easy to manage the mainsheet when sailing the boat.
Good luck. Let us know what you decide.
The change to from the cockpit to the cabin top means you will be changing the forces on the boom. You likely have a single point of attachment at the boom end. This location means more control with less force on the boom.
When you move the attachment point to the middle of the boom it takes more effort (force) to adjust the boom (mainsail). The solution is to spread the force over several points on the boom. You will need to get a traveler that is smooth to run and fits the space you have on the deck. You will need to secure the traveler carefully on the cabin. This will mean taking down the head liner to through bolt the traveler. Use properly sized backing plates on the bolts. The traveler will carry the full force of the mainsail during a blow.
Here is a picture of a 1995 Hunter 336.
The rigging shows 3 blocks attached to the boom, with the mainsheet running down to the deck and back to the cockpit. Control for the mainsail in this image would be the traveler. You will find the adjustment is different than the way you have sailed your rig. If you have a dodger then you have some more modifications to make.
Think the project out carefully and see if having the traveler on the cabin top will be better for movement around the cockpit, but less convenient or easy to manage the mainsheet when sailing the boat.
Good luck. Let us know what you decide.
Looking at pictures online of the Hunter 336, I see both the sheets at the boom end and at mid boom. I assume they were factory options, moving the sheet forward to accommodate a cockpit bimini. Jssailem is exactly right to point out the issues you'll need to deal with. Boom end sheeting requires a lot less force on the sheet. Even moving one of the points to mid-boom can change the forces. Be sure to understand the physics before you do what you're asking about.
-Will
-Will
Strength at mainsheet attachment points is one issue that is solved by spreading the load, as previously mentioned, among two or three strategically mounted boom bails. And a proper mounting of the new track, plus a plan that makes sense for the traveler control lines. You'll need to give critical attention to how and where you mount the track... worst case scenario being the cabin roof is curved a lot. The biggest change in your mainsail traveler system will be compensating for the loss of leverage (and thus, control) your end boom set up provided. So you'll need to add some more purchase to your mainsheet tackle system... probably making it 6:1, or adding a mainsheet winch to the equation. (add $1200, please, to the retrofit cost)
All that said, to me the most important thing is to locate the traveler control lines and the mainsheet in a convenient location for efficient operation. I use the traveler a lot and I'd want to make sure I could control it from the cockpit... you really have to think about where you want the cleats. Same with the sheet... So.... start looking at pictures of other boats... not just your particular model... but all brands and sizes with cabin tops and cockpit layouts similar to yours.... Remember that if you buy one of those pre configured traveler systems with cleats on the track ends.... you may find them totally useless for quick adjustment if you have a dodger or sail short handed. Okay... lots to think about... good luck.
All that said, to me the most important thing is to locate the traveler control lines and the mainsheet in a convenient location for efficient operation. I use the traveler a lot and I'd want to make sure I could control it from the cockpit... you really have to think about where you want the cleats. Same with the sheet... So.... start looking at pictures of other boats... not just your particular model... but all brands and sizes with cabin tops and cockpit layouts similar to yours.... Remember that if you buy one of those pre configured traveler systems with cleats on the track ends.... you may find them totally useless for quick adjustment if you have a dodger or sail short handed. Okay... lots to think about... good luck.