Barton removable mainsheet track on Fulmar

[Magaz97]

I am considering installing a Barton removable mainsheet track, in my Westerly Fulmar. The standard track runs along the transom, behind the tiller. I do quite a bit of single handing, and I find that the mainsheet can be quite difficult to operate in this position, especially if the weather is a little more 'robust' than normal. I thought that moving the traveler into the cockpit, forward of the tiller (about mid way up the cockpit) would make single handing easier. Has anyone done this conversion? Is there any reason why I should not do it? (stress on the boom etc) Any thoughts or observations?

Many thanks

Magaz

 

[Concerto]

Magaz

I also own a Fulmar and agree the mainsheet track at the aft end of the cockpit is not good for singlehanding. Before I owned my boat, a previous owner had moved the track to where you are thinking, but has now been returned aft. The only thing I can think of is due to it dividing the cockpit into two and it became less social once moored up. You can see in the photos in photobucket where it was previously fixed. http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/ConcertoFulmar32/library/?sort=3&page=4

Some Fulmars have the track across the forward end of the cockpit. This would be my natural place of choice, but does have the disadvantage that sitting with your feet up on the cockpit seats facing aft becomes uncomfortable and if left fixed on the centre line getting below is difficult.

 

[Magaz97]

Thanks for the info and photos. The social aspect would be sorted by removing the track when not in use. Which is why I was considering the Barton. I will have to have a play around in the cockpit and select an appropriate location.

Magaz

 

[JimC]

Please let us know how you get on, the Barton removable track is an option I have been considering for my boat.

 

[bert49uk]

My Fulmar has the conventional location for the main sheet and most of my sailing is singlehanded, since I replaced the traveler wheels I don't have a problem and am quite happy with the arrangement, you could always fit extra pull-ups and clam cleats to make it easier

 

[Cloven]

I briefly considered using one on my Hunter (single mounting point on cockpit floor) but the thought of a track across the cockpit in lively conditions, skinned shins or worse, decided me to leave well alone. Also would greatly restrict movement around the cockpit if fully crewed.

PS last year I was unceremoniously dumped onto the cockpit floor by a big green wave over the bows which "washed" me off my perch on the cockpit side. No damage done but with a track across the cockpit, it could have been very uncomfortable at best.

 

[JimC]

Dave, am I right in thinking you'd be sitting aft of the track (had one been fitted) in the "compartment" between track and transom? so being hit by a wave coming from in front would push you away from the track. I ask because I've been thinking of fitting one of these tracks to my Hunter.

 

[Cloven]

Unless in very benign conditions, I tend to sit on the side decking above the cockpit seat, partly so I can see round the sprayhood etc. The day I was "dumped" I ended up on the cockpit floor under the forward end of the tiller but where my legs were I can't remember. all I can say is that I was glad of a clear cockpit floor!

I also thought that the amount of travel on a track would be so small as to make it hardly worth while either from a sail trim point of view or from the additional cost. So, things will stay as they are.

Hope this helps

 

[JimC]

OK thanks for that, I daresay I'll reach the same conclusion.