[Rhodes22-list] traveler and tiller tamer upgrade questions

[Roger Pihlaja]

Bruce,

OK, I'm going to assume you have access to a West Marine Master Catalog
2004.  Let's look at the chart on pp 995.  Your application is the traveler
control line & you want the following characteristics:

Braided line rather than 3-strand line because 3-strand line doesn't work
very well with the clam cleats on the traveler bar
Low stretch under load so the traveler setting will not change every time
the mainsail catches a little gust of wind
Abrasion resistance so the line will last a long time
Resistance to kinking because the traveler control line makes 180 deg bends
over the blocks on the traveler car
Nice soft "feel" in your hands so you won't get blisters - This property is
literally called "good hand"

A number of lines listed on pp. 995 will work.  My personal favorite for a
control line that I have my hands on almost constantly while sailing is
Marlow's Regatta Braid .  There is a detailed description on pp. 1000.  For
a single line traveler control system on the Rhodes 22, you should order
about 25 ft. of the 1/4 inch size.  Don't go any larger than 1/4 inch or the
line won't run freely thru the blocks on the traveler car & the action of
the traveler car will be sticky.  Don't go any smaller then 1/4 inch because
the smaller diameter line will be hard to grip.  Your hands may cramp up as
you are playing the traveler car going upwind.

I'm not a big fan of the Davis Tiller Tamer.  Before you go drilling any new
holes in your boat, you should try the tiller tamer out 1st.  You can use
the existing mooring cleats in the back of the cockpit to attach the control
lines on a trial basis.  I'm guessing you will throw your tiller tamer into
the dumpster after actually using it.  However, if you find you actually
like it after using it; then, another option that won't require drilling any
new holes in the boat can be found in the West Marine catalog on pp. 1040.
Get yourself a Harken P/N 452P and 452S Jib Lead With Bulls-eye Swivel & Cam
Cleat.  These devices will slide right onto your existing genoa T-track port
and starboard & will allow fine adjustment of the control lead position.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

----- Original Message -----
From: <bgreenwald at optonline.net>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 11:22 PM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] traveler and tiller tamer upgrade questions


> I am working my way through my spring commissioning
> list and have two "upgrade" (hopefully) items I need a little
> help with.
>
> First, my traveler was delivered with lines that were too
> short so I have decided to convert to a single line system.
> As best as I can tell, the exisitng lines are 1/4 in and, while
> the fit through the traveler bar is extremely tight, I assume
> this is what I should spec for the replacement,  I am at a
> loss as to what type of line I should use.  The catalogues
> are just a puzzlement to me - too many choices - and the
> folks at WM weren't particularly helpful.
>  I am also curious the lenght of line used by those who
> have already done this.
>
> Second, I plan to install the Davis Tiller Tamer which calls
> for installing clam cleats on the top lip of the aft seatback. I
> have never drilled or screwed anything into the fiberglass
> and would like some advice as to how best to avoid any
> damage - cracking, etc.
>
> Thankd much in advance for your thoughts on either
> question.
>
> Bruce Greenwald
> S/V Ruach II
>
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