I have a Catalina 27 with the aft traveler. I'm looking to relocate it to the cabin top. My question is this: Can I use the original track (by placing it on blocks of some sort high enough to clear the companionway) or is it really necessary to buy a new, curved track? Why or why not?
The load on track and boom will increase by 100% if you move the sheeting point to the middle of the boom,
The track will be without bolts where it spans the hatch opening, You will probably have build support to compensate for this.
Do you know the specs for the existing equipment?
If the strength is ok building a bridge support should work.
Most tracks can be bent a little bit but make sure the car can still move.