Traveler for Hunter 23.5

[Jim Durrett]

I have only had my 1997 Hunter 23.5 for less that one year. I encountered winds in excess of 17 knots with gust up to 22 knots a few weeks ago. I have previously raced one design Thistles and have had several crusing boats over the years. My question relates to the wisdom of rigging a traveler for the mainsail on the 23.5.It would seem that it would provide better handling in heavy air. Has anyone done this? Was it worth the trouble? I am also considering installing a cunningham adjustment in the main to bring the draft more forward in heavier air as well as a second set of jiffy reefing points. I would appreciate any suggestions.Thanks, JIM DURRETT (dirtyjim@charter.net)

 

[Sean Coerse]

No travler

I race my H240. I dont think a travler would be easy to do on this boat for lack of an area to mount it with proper backing. I am installing a cunningham this winter as well as a rigid vang. I'm hoping this will allow me to flatten the sail when going to winward. The vang that came with the boat is very difficult to adjust once under load. The rigid vang has a much better ratio and can be adjusted easily under sail with one hand.

 

[Rick Webb]

Been Thinking About This One For a While

The best solution would be an arch but lets not start that one again. The next idea was to remove the U bolt presently used and shape a peice of teak about 3" X 3" to conform to bench on either side of the bump out where the u bolt was to create an even surface all of the way acrossfrom bencn to bench. Using the area already reinforced and by bolting the teak through to the inside it should be plenty strong. The questions are is it long enough to make a difference and enough of a differenc to be worth it? The one other alternative here is to place it across the top of the benches vs between them but who wants to sit on the track?