Cockpit traveller for 315?

Much easier to adjust twist of the mainsail

Much easier to release excessive wind pressure on the mainsail using the traveller, not the sheet anymore

And easy to get the boom on the centerline of the boat

 

It looks really good. I just have a few questions.

 

Did you drill the holes right through or are they 'blind holes'?

 

What is the thickness of the aluminium?

 

I want to avoid through holes to stop any water penetration. I was planning to demount the traveller when in harbour, replacing the screws with shorter ones to seal the holes. If I keep the screws well greased and avoid overtightening do you really think wear will be a problem?

 

Did you drill and countersink the traveller for the fixing screws as it is normally fixed from the underside with captive nuts in a slot in the traveller?

 

Finally, is the rigging screw visible in your photo connecting the traveller to the original mainsheet padeye on the cockpit floor? If so is this just a 'belt and braces' approach or do you feel it is really neccessary?

 

Sorry about all the questions - any help you can give would be much appreciated.

 

Regards

 

Alan

The holes on the port side must be blind holes, because you have no access to the underside of that part of the bench due to the inner structure (of the 315).

 

The holes on the starboard can be either through-holes or blind-holes, though you are likely to drill into the cabin roof anyway when threading the holes. So I made those through-holes.

 

The aluminium plate underneath the benches I guess is 10-12mm thick, but it is quite deep below the teak wood and the glassfiber. Threading the hole wasn't easy, and it is impossible to inspect the quality of the threads.

 

I did drill and countersink the holes in the Harken rail. Done in a workshop in a milling machine. The intended Harken way with the hidden screws requires that you have through-holes.

 

The padeye on the floor is held by only 2 screws and is obviously enough, so 8 screws with the rail should be adequate, too!!!

 

The rigging screw is for psychological comfort - I will possibly remove it in a while. However, I'm sailing also in the winter gales, so I don't mind all the security I can get.

 

Last Sunday when I was out, the wind was sa bit stronger than anticipated - had to take down the sail. When the wind was slightly in excess of 24 m/s from the rear, the boat speed was at the most 6.0 knots. No sails or motor, just wind drag on the mast and rigging...

 

Cheers!

 Do you have a photo showing your traveller that you could post, it sounds really good.