Traveler Recommendations

[Rob19574]

Hi all – I am in the market for an upgrade to my traveler system on my boat. Currently, my traveler is located aft-boom in the cockpit which is located in an area that makes life in the cockpit very uncomfortable. On newer model 30 foot cruisers have cabin-top travelers which is what I want to do. I’ve been looking at the Harken mid-boat system with a straight traveler. I have a few questions with this type of traveler that I was hoping to get insight on:1-Should I go with a straight track or curved? What is the difference and does it cost more to go curved? That looks like a better choice as it keeps the system more aesthetically appealing.2-How difficult does it get to adjust the traveler car on tacks? I see they make a “windward sheeting cars” that make adjustments lee frequent….they are rather pricing and I am wondering if they make sense. How much adjusting is needed with regular traveler….I would guess on every tack.3-What is the best way to route the traveler lines to make adjusting them easier (assuming a standard car).Thanks and I appreciate any feedback.RobCatalina 30

 

[mortyd]

traveler

you may be the first person i know of who is upgrading a c30 and not using garhauer's wonderful and economic traveler meant for your boat; i suggest you reconsider.

 

[Glenn]

Garhauer

Go with Garhauer.1. Straight track, curved is more expensive and not as efficient. With a curved track, the further outboard the car goes, the more downward force is created, so you need to let out the main sheet as well. 2. You probably would not need to make adjustments in moderate to heavy air, only in light air when the main sheet is eased. I have the original curved track on my '84 C30 and my wife can't make the adjustments, it's just too old. New traveler on wish list. 3. Lines are usually routed to the end of the traveler and cam cleates. I guess you could be creative and route the lines where you would not have to leave the wheel, seems like more trouble than it would be worth. I usually tighten the wheel brake and go to the traveler to make the adjustments. Only takes a few seconds.Go with the Garhauer straight track, that is what all new Catalinas have.

 

[Rob19574]

thanks

thanks for the feedback!

 

[mortyd]

traveler

but now that i think, garhauer's traveler is meant for a mid-boom mainsheet. if you don' have that setup, they also sell an excellent mainsheet that goes along with the cabin top traveler which has cam cleats already installed. call garhauer and talk to vito or mark; they must have done what you want do many times and are helpful guys.