Traveler Fore/Aft location

[gcdev]

I'm in process of measuring for new dodger. Old one is very close to cabin top clutches. My boat was purchased fitted with a Garhauer traveler. It is located very close to my sheet clutches. I would like to move the traveler forward and I'm wondering about the location of the original traveler? Thots, pictures appreciated.

 

[mortyd]

i'm guessing it's the clutches and not the traveler you should move.

 

[gcdev]

Thanks for the reply. At first thought that would be true. However there is zero room to move the dodger or the clutches forward. It never occured to me before but I've been looking at this from the logical perspective, as you suggest. Then the light went on and I thought for sure that the original curved track was likely mounted over the aft end of the sliding hatch cover. I thought someone might be able to confirm that for me. Before I spend a lot of money on a dodger, I want it to be all it can be. I'm 90 mile drive from the boat but I believe it wouldn't be that hard to move the traveler forward about 10".

 

[mortyd]

i still don't understand. my garhauer traveler is forward and OUTSIDE of my factory dodger. the clutches are inside of the dodger not far from the aft end of the cabin top. by the way, i installed slits in the dodger windows to make using the traveler lines much easier. is your traveler now forward an outside of your dodger?

 

[gcdev]

My setup is the same. Starting from aft end of cabin top, winch, clutch, front of dodger. My problem is that even the original rope clutches are very close to the dodger, to the point I have to push the dodger fabric forward to release the clutch. I know it is not the original dodger. The dodger also seems real close to the traveler in front of it.
Maybe its something I have to live with, but it would seem wise since I'm having a new dodger built to try to nudge it forward a bit so I can at least have some room to put a modern clutch in and be able to operate it.
I too have the slits in the dodger window to release the cam cleats on the traveler.
Since my original post I have found photos of the original curved track and they all seem to be mounted aft of the aft edge of the hatch cover. So I suspect my Garhauer is mounted in that same location.
Basically, I'm just trying to gain a bit more room in front of the clutches. Even two inches would be great.

 

[mortyd]

if memory serves, my garhauer travler track was mounted on the original factory traveler hardware, so it sure sounds like you have a dodger problem. since the traveler, and maybe the clutches, are garhauer this may be something for you talk to mark or guido at garhauer about. i have a friend who bought a catalina with some mickey mouse dodger which he can't get the winch handles inside of. this may be why sea trials are so important so we can notice things not apparent when he boat is on the hard.

 

[gcdev]

Amen! I think you are right. The dodger is certainly not the best design. Perhaps I can have the new one nudged forward a bit. I can't make a full turn on the winch either. I just know I want to do the best at having a new one made. Its tough sailing in MT. because distances are great and you just don't drop into the local canvas shop. It's clear I have a lot of work to do. Thanks for your thots! Fair winds!!