Traveler line diameter and type on 2002 Beneteau Oceanis 331

[arthur.goldberg]

Hi All

I love the 2002 Beneteau Oceanis 331 I recently bought! But her traveler line is shot.

The length is about 340". The diameter is about 1/4", but before I buy a new one I'd like to know the exact diameter. It's not in the BENETEAU 331 Jan. 10, 2003 OWNER’S MANUAL. I'd greatly appreciate this information if you have it.

Thanks
Arthur

 

[jssailem]

Hi Arthur. Welcome to SBO.

The diameter and length of the traveler line are not specific numbers. It is based on two things.

1. Diameter is limited by the size of the sheaves in the traveler. The line must fit in the sheave groove and not bind. It may be smaller than the sheave groove but not larger.
2. The second consideration is feel the line needs to feel comfortable in your hand. This can be an issue as the sheave grooves are not large. It is typical of boats. You find the happy medium and compromise
3. What you did not ask about is what type of line. You want a low stretch line. Dyneema is low stretch but hard on the hands. Nylon is easier on the hands but too stretchy. I like a polyester/Dacron double braid. There are others, but it gives me most of the properties at a reasonable price point

Good luck with your project.

 

[BigEasy]

5/16" is recommended for my Lewmar traveler. 13 feet length for each side with a small eye splice on one end of each line
NE Ropes Sta set or Samson XLS would be a good choice at economical price point.

 

[arthur.goldberg]

Thank you guys, that's helpful.

 

[CABixler]

Welcome to to the group I have 2003 B331 for about 15 years and also love. I replaced these and so happy I did. Much nicer. not a tough job but you do need, even if it's not critical, and eye loop the end of the port and starboard. I sadly enjoy creating loops and splices in line so it was so easy but I am sure the local marine supplier can do it for you if you don't want to bother.

Only big tip I can offer is I just totally pulled my old lines out after cutting the eyes but the new ones are a little tricky as the have to make a u-turn around the sleeve that is buried in the housing.

Not a big deal to take apart but I should have used a "messenger" line to thread through first and then pull the new through. Again no big deal. BTW I like paracord as handy strong but cheap on Amazon as messenger cord. Not for anything critical but for general use. I also found waxed dental floss and a big needle handy to attach the messenger line to the end. For proper whipping I do keep proper West Marine whipping line for the ends of all the lines.

My color theme is the Forest Green and the paracord color matches. It's also handy to make the Chinese Botton lanyards for the cockpit gates as nice pulls. As well as a turks heads for the kids on their wrist
Enjoy!
'

 

[arthur.goldberg]

Thanks Craig

Everyone, I've learned from Lewmar that the traveler ends on the 2002 Beneteau 331 are "Size 1 End Stops" which take 5/16" line. They say that the eye splice can be done before the line is installed. Then remove the allen bolt (metric) from the top which also hold the control line sheave (part numbers 7 and 11 on page 11 of the attached Ocean Hardware Spares Manual, Issue 7), put the scheave inside the eye, and reattach the scheave with the bolt.
Lewmar also cautions us to be careful, as no Ocean hardware spares are being made.

Regards
Arthur

 

[AaronD]

@thinwater makes a compelling case for dynamic traveler line: Dynamic Travelers E.g. thin climbing rope, or nylon double braid if you can't find a climbing line in appropriate diameter.

I believe Drew adopted the idea from Evans Starzinger, who is also an extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy source.

 

[Weasel]

Nice looking boat Craig B. And good advice. I use a continuous loop on mine. Works well and mess up cospit are or seafood area.

 

[Weasel]

Will not mess up , sorry, fat fingers

 

[Bluenose]

When I took mine out and washed them according to a Good Old Boat articles them came out really good (2004 B331). Thank heavens I took a few pictures before I started!!