The benefits of traveler track systems include the ability to make subtle alterations to the shape and trim of a mainsail, jib, or staysail. In addition, a traveler offers mechanical advantage and may assist in gybing or tacking. The traveler controls the angle of the sail to the wind and, with minor adjustments, the boat can be kept from excessive heeling or an unbalanced helm.
TRACKS
All good quality track will be made of anodized aluminum. For each car type, there is a specific track type and these are not interchangeable among manufacturers.
- Two basic track types in common use are:
- I-beam or X-track for cars with ball-bearing wheels. These systems are strong and simple, but may not roll smoothly under an unfair load.
- Sculpted track for recirculating ball-bearing cars. Cars fitted with slide rods also work on this configuration. Recirculating balls are the first choice for most racers because they are fast, smooth, and adapt well to offset strains.
- There are several different types and mounting styles:
- Low-profile track is normally deck mounted and supported over its entire length.
- Drilled track, with or without plunger holes, is suited for most traveler systems and has some limited spanning capabilities
- Sliding bolt track, either low profile or regular allows a replacement system to use the same holes as a previous track, or where concealed bolts are desired.
- Beam track is stronger for spanning companionways or cockpit seats. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for spanning and bridging loads.
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- Traveler track may be straight or bent to fit a special need:
- Vertically radiused track is the most common, and is usually bent to mimic the shape of the cabin top or deck with ends down. Vertical bends over the companionway hatch provide additional headroom.
- Horizontally radiused track permits the traveler car to follow the radius of the boom as it swings across the deck. It usually lays flat on the deck with the bend toward the bow.
- Concave vertically radiused track relieves leech tensioning by bending the ends of the track upward. Leech tensioning occurs when the traveler car is off the centerline. Typical installations are in the cockpits of race boats.
- Compound bend track can be either ends up or ends down in the vertical plane, and have a slight bend in the horizontal plane to allow the same tension on the sheet throughout its travel.
- Track risers, either fixed or articulated for flat or curved track, are necessary to clear companionway hatches for mid boom installations.
TRAVELER CARS
Each manufacturer provides a selection guide for the proper car to run on its track, including working and breaking loads. In general, longer car bodies with more wheels or ball bearings have higher load-handling capabilities.
- Wheel ball-bearing cars
have their bearings captive inside wheels which roll on the track. High angles of loading can cause binding where the wheels contact the track. - Recirculating ball-bearing cars have bearings captive between the car and the track and are good in applications where high, non-vertical loading will occur, allowing the car to roll freely and resulting in faster sail trim. High angles of loading, though, decrease the load-carrying ability proportionally. The choices of ball-bearings are Delrin and Torlon, with the latter having greater load-carrying capacity.
- Slide rod cars mount on the same anvil-shaped track as recirculating ball bearing cars. Since rods are inserted in the spaces between the car and track in lieu of ball-bearings, this method is less smooth and carries less angle-loading capability.
TRAVELER CAR ACCESSORIES
- Stand-up adapters for blocks
- Stand-up, spring-loaded blocks
- Sheaves and beckets to match control line purchase
- Toggles and channel tops for block attachment points
- Couplers for systems requiring dual cars for increased loads
TRAVELER CONTROLS
- Traveler controls should have enough purchase to move the traveler car easily while under load. The control lines must lead to a location easily accessible to the crew and/or helmsperson and should quickly secure with cam cleats. The number of blocks used increases purchase but increases the length of lines in the cockpit. Friction should be kept at a minimum.
- End stops provide a clean end finish on the track and absorb shock. Some are fitted with cam cleat, sheave, and becket to accommodate a towing line.
- Car stops have manually adjustable pin stops for use with simple traveler systems without towing lines.
- Control blocks
may provide 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and up to 6:1 purchase for positioning the car on the track. Remember that the quantity of sheaves and becket location must match between the control blocks and the traveler car. - Cam cleats
allow rapid cleating of the car adjustment line.
TIPS
Selecting a main sheet traveler system should be based on a variety of factors:
- Sail area being controlled
- Location of boom bails
- Angle of pull
- Strength of crew
- Type of sailing (racing, daysailing, cruising)
INSTALLATION
New traveler systems can be installed by the average-skilled person with minimal tools.
Toolbox:
- Screwdriver
- Wrenches
- Drill and bits
- Caulking and tape
- Fasteners
- Control line, if used
Retrofitting a replacement system, especially a sliding bolt track
Toolbox: Same as for a new system less the drill and bits.
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