Mainsheet Traveler
Related Topic: E32 Dodger and Bimini | Raising a boom on an E32 | Replacing the traveler/mainsheet on E32 | Vang for an E32
Date: July 21, 1998
From: Tim Cropley timwana@aol.com
Has anyone any insight on installing a main traveler on the cabin top, mid boom that is, now after installing a bimini the main sheet is really a chore to adjust and tack. I figure to install on the turtle over the sliding hatch and make risers from teak for support beyond the sides of the turtle as its only 42 " wide and my existing traveler is 52" . Or is a 42 " traveler enough for general cruising conditions?
Date: October 25, 1998
From: CCAPT JACK@aol.com
Hi, I have an endeavour 42 and have moved the traveler aft 2 feet and it is now on the cabin top. A teak board was created and sized to fit on the aft cabin just in frint of the aft hatch. Works great. Modeled after the bristol 42.
Date: April 18, 2000
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
Hi Paul, just got in from my sail loft and got their ideas on this subject. I sail the Raritan Bay and Long Island Sound, where the winds don't stay above 15 knots too much during the summers. The traveller can be placed over the hatch turtle, as there is an aluminum traveller that will work. It comes complete with the towers for the turtle clearance, and uses 4 large bolts that are backed by plates in the cabin top. Removal of some of the interior liner is necessary. A 5 to 1 purchase is used and lines can be run forward then down and aft for control. The assembly is black anodized finished. Dollar cost was not discussed. Now, there is another cost, that of sail control. The side view picture shows the compleated assembly, and is attached to a bail on the boom, but more than half way from the outhaul. The five to one purchase gave me a clue this was not gonna be a "better package". The sail control will be less than I'd desire, and on a reach or run the boom would rise quite a bit. The leverge and control you give up by going forward is quite noticable. Further study indicates the the traveller is also shorter. This would be detrimental to sail control on anything other than a close reach and windward, due to the boom rising earlier as you go down the wind circle. Therefore, I'd suggest really considering this avenue for comfort against the clear and considerable sail shape and control losses that come as part of the package. As for me, I am planning a bimini with a zip out section for sailing, and an arrangement to secure the boom to the spreader for motoring in the rain and wind. It will also go out (as normal) during times at anchor, with the zippered piece restored. I hope this adds more interest to the querry.
Date: April 18, 2000
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
Hi Paul.... just back from the sail maker, and here's the seagull poop.
My sail is 2 yrs. old, so I was reluctant to go this route, but have jumped the fence. The word is to go and get the bimini made, hung and installed first. Then attach the boom to the existing gooseneck and raise the topping lift to get the new measurements for the sail. My loft can cut a pie shaped wedge out of the bottom of the sail that still gives me the outhaul, reefing, and all normal control. Secondly, with the bimini in place, you can then decide if moving the gooseneck 8 or 10 inches is gonna be a part of the plan as well. Sometimes it is. If you wedge the bottom, you won't have to move the boom as far up the mast, thus preserving most of the original sail plan. If you move the gooseneck the sail would have to be cut at the top then, from a point about six or so feet from the top, at an angle, to make a new head. Otherwise, the roach will hit the topping lift since you raised the triangular sail up into the topping lift triangle. Slicing the bottom or the top are independant of each other, or can be incorporated to reduce the distance you need to raise the gooseneck. I prefer a boom that is fairly horizontal, although a little up angle is not unsightly. Then when catching rain off the sail or a canvans trough, the water can flow forward into a 5 gallon pail up on the cabintop, then right into jerry cans or the water tank. One other item, I moved the main sheet bail aft about 10 or 12 inches.
Date: April 21, 2000
From: Tom Gilbert TGil95746@aol.com
Well, let me think......If it's 5 to one, I think I saw at least 2, if not 3, sets of lines going from the traveller to different attachment points. The picture also then had the traveller going forward along the boom, through a turning block, down the mast, through another turning block, then along the cabin top to the cockpit clutches. I wonder what the friction loads would be by the time ya got to the end !!! Anyway, my dodger/enclosure guys agreed to do the bimini/enclosure first, then the dodger to match. That means new attachment points and all. My friend w/ the E37 kept the bridge deck traveler and uses that side area as a "door" to the cockpit, and removes that section for sailing. I admit it's a bit breezy at times, but the acrylic sides and back keep the cockpit "pressurized" and dry ! In good weather, the sides roll up or can unzip, they have screens, and the top can be removed w/ the hardware pivoting aft against the stay for that opened up feel. It works on an E37...... I'll look further into it for the E32, but I hear it's gonna be 4K............ouch !! And I just redid the panels in the old dodger. Happy Easter......
Date: February 22, 2001
From: Al Augustine ABig2guy@aol.com
Paul:
Was wondering if anyone has changed their traveler on 32 to Garhauer marine unit and which one did they use.
Date: February 22, 2001
From: Paul Kimarrow pikomarow@webtv.net
The traveler on my e32 was moved to the bridge deck. If you would like to see it, we wil be going back to Lake Lucie on Apr 1 to continue on to the Bahamas . You can see it then or wait until we return in early june and see it in N.C..
Date: February 23, 2001
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
Paul,
Curious to know what unit you have for the traveler. Did you move it or did it come that way when you bought the boat? I've been considering moving ours but have heard mixed reports on the advantages and disadvantages.
The obvious advantage is getting out of the companion way. The disadvantage is loss of purchase and a bit more fullness in the leach of the main.
If you get a chance I'd like to see a photo of it. I'm sure there are a number of us E32 owners that have considered moving it, and with the original travelers getting old and outdated, there should be more and more owners interested in making the change.
