CD28 traveler replacement-windward sheeting?

[Sue]

We are replacing the original "traveler" on our CD28, which doesn't seem to be a traveler so much as a jib track arranged for the mainsheet. Our question: Does anyone have any experience with Harken windward sheeting? This is set up so that you don't have to release the leeward line when tacking/gybing- just pull to windward. It seems like a great convenience, and is not a lot more money than a regular traveler system. Not too many more parts to break, we're replacing the system anyway,... We're not seeing any downside. Is there something we're missing? Any other comments from folks who have replaced their original setup?

thanks! Sue & Noel

[Ed Haley]

A friend of mine replaced the Schaefer traveler system on his CD28 with a Harken car system, although it wasn't the windward sheeting arrangement. As you know, the track is angled so that the track surface is perpendicular to a line drawn from the end of the boom where the mainsheet is attached. His only stumbling block was that he had to fashion a 3/4 inch thick teak support base under the new traveler track that sat on top of the original teak traveler base so that the traveler car would clear the teak molding on the aft end of the cockpit. Without that extra height, there wasn't enough room to install the car.

I've been thinking of replacing my traveler on my CD28 with a windward sheeting arrangement as you are. I wonder if I could use the high track so that it would clear the cockpit molding? It would be nice if the West MArine store near us could lend me a car and track to see if it's possible. They just don't stock the many varieties and sizes of traveler systems. Special order only. It seems like it could work. Maybe someone else has a better suggestion.



eghaley@dreamscape.com

[Sue Noel]

A friend of mine replaced the Schaefer traveler system on his CD28 with a Harken car system, although it wasn't the windward sheeting arrangement. As you know, the track is angled so that the track surface is perpendicular to a line drawn from the end of the boom where the mainsheet is attached. His only stumbling block was that he had to fashion a 3/4 inch thick teak support base under the new traveler track that sat on top of the original teak traveler base so that the traveler car would clear the teak molding on the aft end of the cockpit. Without that extra height, there wasn't enough room to install the car.

I've been thinking of replacing my traveler on my CD28 with a windward sheeting arrangement as you are. I wonder if I could use the high track so that it would clear the cockpit molding? It would be nice if the West MArine store near us could lend me a car and track to see if it's possible. They just don't stock the many varieties and sizes of traveler systems. Special order only. It seems like it could work. Maybe someone else has a better suggestion.

When I last studied the track arrangement on our CD28, I thought that there was enough room for the new system but, as you say, without having the actual pieces in hand it's hard to guess. I can think of a few solutions to elevate the track without replacing or adding teak. You should know that the high track theory sounds nice but will add additional toe stubbing hazard and, I think, it will have to be custom bent by Harken to fit the one inch crown of the aft deck. I should have all my parts and pieces assembled mid next month. I'll let you know how much rerigging needs to be done.

[Russ Campbell]

I replaced the mainsheet system on my CD 28 a couple of years ago with a Harken traveler setup on the cabin top. I did not get the windward sheeting option but have not regretted it. I did not like the sheets in the cockpit and have really enjoyed the cabin top traveler. You can find pictures of it at http://members.tripod.com/~jengle/index.html

Go to "tips" and then to "past tips". Any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Russ

We are replacing the original "traveler" on our CD28, which doesn't seem to be a traveler so much as a jib track arranged for the mainsheet. Our question: Does anyone have any experience with Harken windward sheeting? This is set up so that you don't have to release the leeward line when tacking/gybing- just pull to windward. It seems like a great convenience, and is not a lot more money than a regular traveler system. Not too many more parts to break, we're replacing the system anyway,... We're not seeing any downside. Is there something we're missing? Any other comments from folks who have replaced their original setup?

thanks! Sue & Noel

camroll@together.net