Rob Boeckh
New Member
Hi,
Our 1978 E34t's original traveler is located just aft of the companionway - great for sail handling, less than ideal for cruising with kids and dog.
Last weekend we noticed an aloha that had a similar setup to ours, where the owners had moved the sheet to the cabin top using a bridle system (two separate sheets, widely spaced, attached at fixed points, no traveler).
My first concern is the additional stresses on boom and cabin top. Our boom is beefy, with profiled extrusions that offer greater strength than a simple oval shape, so I am not too concerned there. The cabin top is my principal concern. Even with substantial backing plates, the cabin top wasn't designed for this.
I have gone ahead and installed the new system. I went with 5:1 tackle ratio (over the 4:1 original on the boom end) to give extra leverage. Given the unknown stresses on the cabin top, I plan to keep the original traveler in place for use when conditions get rough.
Has anyone done a similar conversion or have any advice on this?
I have heard of using posts running from below the attachment point inside the cabin for reinforcement, but it seems an ugly and unnecessary step.
Cheers,
Rob Boeckh
Victoria, BC
Charlie 1978 E34t
Our 1978 E34t's original traveler is located just aft of the companionway - great for sail handling, less than ideal for cruising with kids and dog.
Last weekend we noticed an aloha that had a similar setup to ours, where the owners had moved the sheet to the cabin top using a bridle system (two separate sheets, widely spaced, attached at fixed points, no traveler).
My first concern is the additional stresses on boom and cabin top. Our boom is beefy, with profiled extrusions that offer greater strength than a simple oval shape, so I am not too concerned there. The cabin top is my principal concern. Even with substantial backing plates, the cabin top wasn't designed for this.
I have gone ahead and installed the new system. I went with 5:1 tackle ratio (over the 4:1 original on the boom end) to give extra leverage. Given the unknown stresses on the cabin top, I plan to keep the original traveler in place for use when conditions get rough.
Has anyone done a similar conversion or have any advice on this?
I have heard of using posts running from below the attachment point inside the cabin for reinforcement, but it seems an ugly and unnecessary step.
Cheers,
Rob Boeckh
Victoria, BC
Charlie 1978 E34t