Moving Main Sheet on R29

[Zack]

I want to move the traveler to just aft of the Companion way Hatch. I do not like having to trim the main from behind me and I can not add a bimini with the current set up. Has anyone else done this and how did it work?

The only thing I am really worried about is the strength of the boom to handle the mid boom load.

Pictures would be great.

Thanks,

Zack

[Schnick]

I have opted to leave the mainsheet aft. However, I don't think you'd likely have a problem, as the bridgedeck is pretty close to lining up with the end of the boom. I wouldn't put the travel all the way forward to the companionway, just at the aft end of the bridge deck. Lots of boats have done this. Add a bail bolted through the boom, or, if you have a loose-footed main, just get a rigger to make a lashing out of webbing or high-tech line that will spread the load and save you having to drill holes.

[policecentral]

Mid-Boom Sheeting

I have a Ranger 30 located in Savannah that came with mid-boom sheeting. It has a traveler for moving the sheet attachment to windward/leeward with lines through blocks and cam cleats for adjustment. Works very well, and generally eliminates the need for boom vang. When running with boom dropped to leeward, I often drop a preventer from midboom to the toe rail to avoid surprises.

JSM

[Jesse Delanoy]

Catalina has a full set of specs for making this change on old Catalina 30s being retrofitted from tiller to wheel steering. The retrofit was done on my boat by the previous owner, and it is a fantastic setup. The mainsheet traveler is on the cabin roof, forward of the companionway slider, mounted on stainless steel pylons; and is pulley-controlled by lines port and starboard. I've never had such a good traveler arrangement. You might contact Catalina tech support and see if you can get the specs - it appears that the method should work on most boats, with proper measurement adaptations of course.

[Zack]

Thanks for the advise, it will look into it.

Zack