Move traveler from cockpit to above companionway

[old-sailer]

I'll bet this has been discussed here but I can't seem to figure out what to search for so please direct me to a thread if I'm revisiting an old subject.

I have an elderly 1980 30' C&C with the traveler in the cockpit in front of the steering pedestal. I want to move it to the top of the cabin just in front of the companionway entrance.

My questions:
1) Is the cabin roof strong enough to handle the load of the traveler being mounted there?
2) Is there a kit which includes the traveler hardware and risers to aid in this swap out or do I need to buy parts ala-carte?

I mainly want to do this so I can install a bimini to protect us from the sun. Like so many older folks we fear the effects of prolonged exposure. (skin cancer etc)

Any help with this would be appreciated.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by old-sailer

I have an elderly 1980 30' C&C with the traveler in the cockpit in front of the steering pedestal. I want to move it to the top of the cabin just in front of the companionway entrance.

My questions:
1) Is the cabin roof strong enough to handle the load of the traveler being mounted there?

Probably, yes, but it would require some serious back up plates under the assembly. This would require cutting the liner or making sure the liner isn't crushed by the installation... and would leave something below you'll need to look at forever. (I don't think the cabintop liner is removable???)

2) Is there a kit which includes the traveler hardware and risers to aid in this swap out or do I need to buy parts ala-carte?

Not likely a kit but browsing the various C&C owners' sites can't hurt. Have you tried your question there? Another good plan would be to call Gerhauer and explain your situation - they can provide all the bits including the custom pedestals and are said to be very good to work with as well as reasonable cost-wise.

I mainly want to do this so I can install a bimini to protect us from the sun. Like so many older folks we fear the effects of prolonged exposure. (skin cancer etc)

Understandable... You will need to be careful about how you attach your relocated sheet to the boom.. it may well be heavy enough but these connections need to be very solid. With the reduced mechanical advantage you'll likely need a more powerful tackle or need/want to run it to a winch.

Aside from your rationale for wanting to do this, you're going from a stronger more easily handled setup to something not as good or as convenient.... but that's your call.

[old-sailer]

I found Harken risers that come with backing plate... $650. Ouch...

Then the traveler bits and pieces... another $600. Again Ouch..!!

I did try Gerhauer but they didn't respond....

I'm really torn.. the way it is I can solo sail.. if I move it I can't.

Any alternative suggestions re hiding from the sun..????

I do have a dodger.. but it's up there and I'm back here.. darn.

I guess a half bimini...?? tiny though.

[Faster]

You'd look like a bit of a terrorist, but people are starting to wear sunmasks..

Lycra Sun Mask / Hood

[chef2sail]

Everything faster has said I will echo.

I have a 35 MKIII k/c C&C with the traveler on the cabintop. I would go on C&C memebers site and look at configuation. It allows for the dodger bimini to be full sized and with the connector also offers good weather protection when it is foul out or raining. My wife even made side panels to enclose us which we rarely use, but it has sun screens which help in the late faternoon.

As Faster said garhauer is a good source for this set up. T37chef bought a system from them and I nelieve he is very happy. I have Garhauer davits and radar pole and have been very happy with their service as well as quality. They will go out of their way to custom make it for you also if necessary. They will also bargain price with you especially around the Annapolis boat show time which is in two weeks.

Also as Faster said this needs to be well thought oout with strong pedestals and backing plates. NOt sure if your interior is like ours, but ours are accesable under the lenses of the aft lighting panels in the headliner.

You will loose some purchase having it mid boom, but that can be made up with more ratio to you blocks on the traveler. You will ge more room in the cockpit with the tavelor gone also. I still single hand and have lead the main sheet back behind the helm with turning blocks on the combing. Traveler sdjutments I stiill have to move in front of the wheel though. You will also need a winch on the cabin top if you dont lead it back also.

Dave

[deniseO30]

Sailer, is this like your boat?


You could go with a tall short Bimini over the helm, and later, get a Dodger or Bimini for the cockpit and over the companion way.

You would not enjoy the loss of handling ease with the helm located traveler as your sailing skills improve. I've been on boats in some races where i had to handle the cabin mounted traveler.. basically.. it sucks! The stresses are incredible in a blow.

Some of the Catalina 30s have built up teak blocks and beam for the cabin top traveler. Teak of course is $$$. If you give it some thought, you may realize your cockpit is much more friendly to the non sailing crew, as all the "work" is behind the wheel. Also, even though the sun will be off the tops of your heads.. the reflected sunlight is still very intense at times.
welcome to SailNet!

[Faster]

Denise is right... looking at the profile she posted there looks to be room for a small behind-the-sheet bimini (it would need to be split around the backstay, but that's done all the time) and then eventually a connecting canvas between the dodger and the bimini (tailored for the usual moored position of the traveler/sheet) for full coverage when moored.

Worth considering...

[old-sailer]

Originally Posted by Faster

You'd look like a bit of a terrorist, but people are starting to wear sunmasks..

Lycra Sun Mask / Hood

Are you kidding..?? I sail up and down the US border here on Lake Ontario.. that's all I'd need to look like to be shot at.

I'll go with a Bimini so they can see my smiling face..

[old-sailer]

Originally Posted by Faster

Denise is right... looking at the profile she posted there looks to be room for a small behind-the-sheet bimini (it would need to be split around the backstay, but that's done all the time) and then eventually a connecting canvas between the dodger and the bimini (tailored for the usual moored position of the traveler/sheet) for full coverage when moored.

Worth considering...

Yes Denise is correct our 30 C&C is exactly that boat...

I've had my heart set on moving the traveler but I'm hearing not a good idea.

I already have the Dodger.. I think to be safe I'll go with the small rear Bimini as large as I can accommodate just to hide from the sun and leave the traveler alone and live with it for a while before jumping into something I may regret.

Thanks for the insight folks...

[eherlihy]

Um.... buy a hat?

... Just sayun...