Traveler upgrade query

[snorinsid]

The 1985 Hunter 25.5 I've just acquired has only the primitive sail controls it came with from the factory except for the addition of a boom vang. I'm adding a jib furler and cunningham, and eventually a backstay adjuster and line adjustable genoa sheet blocks. The traveler is on the bridge deck at the companionway and is of the old, slow pinstop variety, not a good bet on a racer. Is there any to convert it over to the line-haul adjustable type with blocks on the car and track ends without blowing too many $$--say for roughly $200 max or so? Or do I have to go for the whole new line-haul system?

Also, I find the pop top almost impossible to raise alone. Two can do it easily. Any ideas?

[chucklesR]

Depends on who made the traveller, Schaefer does a upgrade from pin stop for just about 200.00

Here's the info for Schaefer:
Send your existing traveler car back to Schaefer. We will add two sheaves,
separation plate and put it all back together as if it were new. With the kit,
we will include two control blocks (one 74-23, one 74-24) to complete the setup.

Adding the new control blocks to the system is relatively easy. You have
already removed one of the endstops - you do not need to remove both. Slide one
control block on and butt it up against the end of the track stop. (You can have
a space between the control block and endstop) You will need to drill and tap
the track for two fasteners (#10) to secure the control block. Now, slide your
traveler car on and after that the second control block. Again, secure this
near the end of the track with the endstop in place.

The entire project will cost you about $200.00 through Schaefer Marine. Send
your traveler car back to us with a note including your name, address, phone
number or email and a visa/mc number. It usually takes us about 3-5 days to
process the car through our shop.

Our address:

Schaefer Marine
Attn: Repairs
158 Duchaine Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02745

If you have any questions, you can reach me at Stevem@... or
508/995-9511.

Best Regards,

Steve Majkut
Dir. of Sales & Marketing

[Faster]

It will be difficult to upgrade your traveller on that budget. There have been some good discussions lately in other threads on this subject. To get the race ready control you need (nice to have anytime, btw) you will need to go to the "whole new line-haul system" - typically runs between $3-400, more if you upgrade your mainsheet blocks at the same time (another worthwhile idea).

Edit: looks like Chuckles has some good news if you're Schaeffer already!