Traveler yes or no?

[Ed]

About to order either a 290 or 320, need to decide weither to order a travler on the main arch or not - what do you think? I have only sailed smaller boats with out a traveler and am not sure I need one, no intention to race the boat. Looking for some opinions

 

[Miles]

It's a good idea...

Even if you're not going to be racing a traveler helps a lot. It very easy to reach up and adjust the arch mounted traveler from the helm if you're single/short handed. I use the one on my 340 all the time to depower in puffs and fine tune the main. I suppose you could always add one later but I think it's probably a good idea to just do it up front.

 

[Rich Campbell]

I second that

I have a '96 29.5. Because of the large mainsail, the traveller really helps to depower the main when the windspeed gets anywhere near 15 miles an hour. Easing the traveller to leeward in windy conditions will help her sail flatter, while maybe not the most efficient way to sail, it does keep my wife from screaming.

 

[Mark Johnson]

You are "kiddin" right?

A traveler is now an option??? Since when? On a serious note, I'd never have a boat without one.

 

[jcherubini]

Response.

I agree with Mark; I answered this question under 'Another traveller question'; and I can't believe Rich thinks sailing flat might NOT the most efficient way, because actually it IS!! Minimise heel at all costs except to seaworthiness in weather.JC 2