Harken Windward Sheeting advice

[Guesser]

I just purchased a new Harken Windward small boat sheeting car and track which I plan to install tomorrow. I'm just wondering if anyone else uses this system and what you think about using it with a 2:1 vs a 4:1. The Harken site shows it used with just a 2:1 purchase, Harken: Windward Sheeting Travelers , but it doesn't seem like the advantage would not be enough. I did not purchase control ends with the track, but I do have a few small blocks that I could make work. I have a 25' boat with a pretty short boom (8'4") and the track sits forward in the cockpit just out side the companion way door. I don't know the exact mailsail area, but the original traveler system was 4:1.

I also wanted to give some props to Mauri Pro Sailing for their excellent online service and their great prices. I got the track, the windward car and the end stops for less than West Marine wanted for just the car.

Mauri Pro Sailing - Sailboat Hardware, Sailing Gear and Sailboat Equipment

[sailingdog]

Guesser-

It depends on how strong you are and how big your sail is...

If the sail is big, and you are strong... 2:1 might work...
If you are strong and the sail is small.. it will probably work at 2:1,
If you are weak, like JeffH, and the sail is big like the one off of Giulietta, then the 4:1 is probably the way to go.



Mauripro is a good shop and has good prices and service.

[Giulietta]

Originally Posted by Guesser

I just purchased a new Harken Windward small boat sheeting car and track which I plan to install tomorrow. I'm just wondering if anyone else uses this system and what you think about using it with a 2:1 vs a 4:1. The Harken site shows it used with just a 2:1 purchase, Harken: Windward Sheeting Travelers , but it doesn't seem like the advantage would not be enough. I did not purchase control ends with the track, but I do have a few small blocks that I could make work. I have a 25' boat with a pretty short boom (8'4") and the track sits forward in the cockpit just out side the companion way door. I don't know the exact mailsail area, but the original traveler system was 4:1.

I also wanted to give some props to Mauri Pro Sailing for their excellent online service and their great prices. I got the track, the windward car and the end stops for less than West Marine wanted for just the car.

Mauri Pro Sailing - Sailboat Hardware, Sailing Gear and Sailboat Equipment

Guesser.

2:1 will be less pull but a lot more effort to sheet, making it faster to sheet in but a whole lot more arm power is required, 4:1 will be less effort to sheet but more rope to pull. For that size boom, and 25 boat...I would go with a simple fiddle block 4:1 arrangment, and invert the main cleat to release by pulling up. But try the 2:1 first...you might be strong as me!!

The idea behind the traveller is to be able to move the center of the main sheet in relation to boat axis, from windward in light winds to leeward in strong winds, and thus change sail twist, (need to work with boom jack cunningham and backstay) and increase sail efficiency by controling boom position in relationship to sail roach, bla bla bla. Mainly to start align top batten with boom rule is OK...bla bla bla.

For this new system you need a system to lock the traveler in place thus the side blocks. You will also need 2 cleats to lock the traveller.

You can use the same 4:1 or a new 2:1, however, the traveler will not reduce the arm power required.

Good luck...

SD...go se if its raining outside.....

[Giulietta]

SD...just for your information, my system is a 2:1......


End boom, but still 2:1

[sailingdog]

Giu-

He did ask...

Nope, it's not raining here at least..

end of what??? there's no boom on your boat... so when does the new one come in???

[Giulietta]

No news yet...the fittings and hardware are being installed...or seems like so...

2 more weeks....they're busy with ACC...

[sailingdog]

I hope it gets finished before then or you're basically screwed.