Quick upgrade on an old traveler

[peaman]

Not quite ready to replace my OEM Schaefer main sheet traveler, but wanting improved effectiveness, I converted it from a 3-part purchase to 4-part. I simply replaced each of the original single nylon sheaves on the traveler car with a new double block. The shackles which came with the blocks fit over the original sheave pivots with no modification. The blocks are Harken 40c Carbo Air model 2638. The tail of each line is secured to the respective end of the traveler track with a hitch.

 

[Pete the Cat]

It will be fine. I have both Harken and Schaefer on my two boats and am agnostic about which is better. Having more purchase is the big deal and you did that.

 

[Loren Beach]

That looks great. I like our traveler control upgrade a lot, as well. Ray is spot on about the virtue of having more purchase.

O34 - Traveler Controls, improved purchase

There is regular discussion here on traveler controls and how much "purchase" is sufficient. Stock setup on the 0-34 was a three part purchase on each side, with the free end cleated off to a cam cleat on the inside of each cockpit combing, just...

ericsonyachts.org

 

[Prairie Schooner]

I love this! It's way less complicated than what I'd been contemplating. Nice.

 

[ConchyDug]

You didn't want to get longer bolts and stack another set of sheaves on the existing ones with a plate to separate them on the traveler car? Can also drill out the rivets on the double block ends and throw an eyestrap on them to church it up a bit. I nursed a retro Schaefer traveler setup along for a couple years they are in my opinion junk compared to the Ronstan system which actually fits onto the ends of the track and doesn't use screws to pin the ends.

 

[peaman]

You didn't want to get longer bolts and stack another set of sheaves on the existing ones with a plate to separate them on the traveler car?

I considered that. The original sheaves were "plain bearing", as I think it is called when the wheel simply spins on a fixed axle, so much more friction than ball bearings. Also, by rotating the axis of the double blocks and using right angle reeving, the angles of the lines and blocks is greatly improved at the extremes of the track. If I could have found a Ronstan traveller with a cost and ease of installation comparable to my double block solution, I would have considered that, but for now, I'd rather sail.

 

[Christian Williams]

Ronstan upgrade:

E381 - Ronstan Traveler Upgrade, Thelonious II

The traveler of a sailboat allows adjustment of the lateral position of the boom and therefore the angle of the mainsail to the wind. With the angle set, main sheet tension controls twist, which allows air to spill from the upper sail. On...

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