Watkins27 Mainsheet

[MoonDoggy]

I'm also going to post this on the Watkins yahoo group but thought it would'nt hurt to ask here. The only thing I don't like about this boat is the fact I was almost thrown overboard when the mainsail caught a gust when I was tacking and paying more attantion to the jib when I almost was knockout!!! Has anyone modified their rigging to move the traveller from the stern to in front of the conpanionway or elsewere? I figure this may aply to other boats with the same problem.

Thanks, Moondoggy

[PBzeer]

Actually, from a physics standpoint, at the rear is where you want the traveller. Many boats though do use mid-boom travellers. Some just in front of the companionway, and some on the cabintop.

[sailingdog]

Moving the traveler from the stern to the companionway will generally require moving the attachment point on the boom from the end to a mid-point... This generally requires a heavier boom, as the stress on the boom will be greater, and requires a heavier mainsheet setup, as the mid-boom sheeting will require more leverage to get the same results.

Many boats, fitted out for end-boom sheeting, do not have a location on the cabintop or the front of the traveler that is sufficiently reinforced to withstand the loads that the mainsheet traveler would exert, and would need to be modified before this could be done.

[Sabreman]

I'd keep the end-boom sheet arrangement for the reasons that others noted. On our Sabre 28 we had the same setup and sailed the boat for 18 years without issue. Since your initial problem focused on the gust and tending the jib sheet, the only thing that I can note i sthat generally in a gust you'd want to mind the main instead o fthe jib for a number of reasons:
1. Easing the main will reduce the force on the sails and right the boat, resulting is flatter sailing (most modern boats become really inefficient past about 25 degrees of heel)
2. Easing the main will shift the center of effort forward, reducing weather helm. This results in less pressure on the rudder, less rudder angle and resulting drag, and consequently a faster boat
3. Easing the main and keeping the jib trimmed will maitain pointing ability which will increase VMG.
4. Easing the mainsheet located at the stern will be easier for the helmsman (i.e., you) because he/she doesn't have to move forward to get to the jib.

Bottom Line - throttle the boat with the main, point with the jib. Good luck!

[MoonDoggy]

I want to thank all who reply and gave great advice. After looking at some pictures on the Watkins owners sight, I decided to go ahead and move the traveller. The hard part was crawling behind the steering and unscrewing the 12 bolts. As I was by myself, it was good that the screws were a little corroded. This modification allowed me to move the bimini back about a foot. Can't wait til summer as the helmman (me) didn't have shade. The test run was in 12-15mph winds and all seems ok so far. I guess time will tell!

Moondoggy