I have tried both set ups, one with the cleat on the traveler and one with the cleat on an angle, like the J-24, mounted in the center. Seems like the traveler set up gives the best sail trim, while the center mount is easier to use.
Feedback needed from sailers.
Main sheet set up.
Moderators: sderby, Tim Bosma, Tom Elsen
same
You are correct, IMHO. On boats with short travelers [J 24] the traveler is already doing [almost] nothing in winds above maybe 12, so the center mount mainsheet cleat doesn't really hurt much, accept on your shin! The traveler on the 7.9 is long enough to actually do it's job as the wind continues to build. I'm sure there are plenty of folks who will disagree with me. Most people rationalize what they like as being the best, but that doesn't mean it's always what really works the best, at it's task. The mainsheet cleat on the traveler car is more of a pain to deal with sometimes but when it's windy to REALLY windy I wouldn't have it any other way. With the cleat mounted on a center post the act of sheeting tighter as the wind builds actually moves the boom to weather, exactly the opposite of what is needed to trim the sail properly. Before I get pummeled by the "vang sheeting" pundits, believe me when I tell you that I use more vang tension when sailing upwind than anyone that I know, or anyone that I have ever sailed against [so the point is moot] but I'm not using it to hold the boom down or try and keep the leech tight, that's the mainsheet's job. I use the vang mainly as a lower mast bend device to blade out the bottom of the main, something that can't be done with just alot of backstay.
Dave
Dave
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LarryE-old
- Posts: 233
- Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2003 12:06 pm
I have mine on the traveler. The primary drawback deal with is having the block flop over - it's so heavy that no spring will keep it up.
I've considered trying a permanently located block in the middle (behind the traveler) ala the J24's, but it's not worth the $$ outlay for me.
I've considered trying a permanently located block in the middle (behind the traveler) ala the J24's, but it's not worth the $$ outlay for me.
Tom Line
Hull 421
Grrr...
Hull 421
Grrr...
Our main sheet finishes through a block mounted on a bracket at the center of the traveler. I can't really say if it is better than on the traveller since the trimmer doesn't have to reach way down to adjust it. For us it is a recognition of the balance needed between the sheet and the traveller position. Yes, the geometry is tricky, particularly in windy conditions. Hats off to our main trimmer for handling it well.