Replacement Mainsheet Traveller

[Seven Spades]

I am looking to replace my main sheet traveller which is so difficult to use. I have tried Google and seem only to be able to find gear made by Harken and Lewmar. Are there any other manufacturers I should consider?

Any recommendations?

 

[jeremyshaw]

There are Barton and Gibb for starters.
Presumably you don't want to replace the track, so getting a car to match the track is the starting point, if you'll forgive me for stating the obvious.

 

[Paulka]

Goiot

 

[Seven Spades]

Well I am not sure about that. The problem I have is the huge friction and the poor way the sheets seem to jam. I had assumed that a new track and car would solve the problem.

 

[sarabande]

This may sound a bit silly, but have you found out where the friction is taking place ?

Is it in the sheets themselves, where the blocks may be too small for the diameter of the rope ? Does the sheet run freely when disconnected from the traveller ?

Is it the car running freely on the traveller when the bottom block is disconnected ?

Perhaps a photo might help.

 

[aluijten]

I've just replaced my traveller with the Lewmar size 2 one. I'm very happy with it as it's very well build. Rutgerson also manufactures travellers. The only one I know of that standard supplies you with ball bearing sheaves is Harken.

I chose Lewmar because their purchase system (1:4) is better designed in the sense of looking 'clean'.

A.

 

[gardenshed]

the new barton recirculating ball travellers look as good as the lewmar/harken ones, are much less expensive and equally as robust. The "sliding bolt" track ensures that you can use the existing bolt holes

Before you make the change, try washing everything with fresh soapy water and then lubricate with silicine (McLube or equivalent). you may be surprised at the difference.

 

[Talbot]

I fitted the barton one and found it very good. The track design was the sliding bolt, so no new holes - I got the 4:1 rope system, and would buy the same again if needed.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

RWO are still making good gear, mine is 30 years old and only needed the rollers replaced a couple of years back, they still made them which gave me confidence about staying with the same gear.