Replacing Vang and Traveler

[shanagolden]

I am thinking of replacing my rope vang with a rigid vang and also replacing the traveller. Any suggestions out there for brand/type and model ?

[Analgesic]

The prior owner of my boat replaced everything with Garhauer traveller, vang and all blocks so I have never known anything else.  I have owned the boat 10 years with no issues ever.  I have done some fun races with my friends who own J109s, Tartans and Hinckleys and all comment on how much better everything works on my boat. 
Brian

[Ken Juul]

I am a huge Garhauer fan.  They sell to OEM and the public.  No middlemen to raise prices.  They know catalinas and will ensure the part you order will fit your boat.  They make everything they sell, can modify if asked.  Great people to work with.  On line catalog is kind of hard to navigate, but they always answer the phone.

[Stephen Butler]

Last year we replaced mainsheet system, traveler, vang, etc.  Checked with Harkin and could never get a clear answer on what to keep, what to replace, what models, parts needed, etc.  Called Garhauer and then saw them at some boat shows.....great advice, discounted parts, and everything works great.  One thing...we went with a rope vang...we use a drop in A/C. Go with Garhauer would be our advice.

[Ron Volk]

I added a fixed vang and new traveller, both from Garhauer and am completely satisfied.  Called them up, explained what I had, they gave me modification options for the traveller & both the vang & traveller work fine.

[Phil Spicer]

We have changed all old Garhauer to new Garhauer blocks  & travler. Wife really likes the travler. Got it the first year it was offered. It is now time (& wife) approved ! You can get it with both lines on port or stb. or the standard way with one line on each side. May convert to stb side so all adjusting is done from one side. Will also run lines back to the back of the cabin top....one more project to add to "The List." Other manufacturers talked about saving weight....I liked saving $$$$$$. Also added fiddle blocks to make a double ended main sheet. All runs smooth.
    Just my comments....your $$$$
             Phil

[Phil Spicer]

Also made plates for cam cleats

[Ron Hill]

shan : I've mentioned this a number of times.  Get the Garhauer ridged vang and install it. 

Then use it for a season and then see if you really need a new traveler!!  A thought

[shanagolden]

Thanks for all your comments out there. Seems Garhauer is the way to go.

Shanagolden, from cold and snowing Boston Harbor.

[Les Luzar]

Ron,
I like your thought on the Garhauer Rigid Vang, I have been thinking about both the rigid vand and new traveller but if the rigid vang helps then I am going to think about that upgrade first and see how it goes... so many projects, so little time! Does the rigid vang take some tension off the traveller?

[Ron Hill]

Eed : The vang might take some of the tension off the traveler, but I found that instead of moving the traveler I just let out some of the main sheet line/vang control line and that does the job for me. 

Like I said, if you planned on doing both upgrades, try the vang first and see if that doesn't do the job.  You can always change the traveler later.   A thought

[Ken Juul]

The purpose of the vang is to control twist in the sail.  The purpose of the traveler is to adjust the angle of the sail to the apparent wind.  They both in different ways control how much power the main is producing.  I don't have a rigid vang, but find my my soft vang is most useful downwind when there is a lot of  mainsheet out.  Keeps the sail from twisting.  With the traveler the mainsheet can control sail twist and the traveler can be adjusted to control how much power the main is making.  I use it on all points of sail, but it is most useful with the wind forward of beam.  A thought about having both traveler lines on the same side of the cockpit.  My crew knows if the boat is getting overpowered or healing too much to release the traveler line on the high side of the cockpit.  The same concept would work if they were both on the same side, but a bit less obvious.

[Jim Hardesty]

Very good Ken.  For all that are confused about sail controls, or like me sometimes just confused.  I like
Don Guillette's "Sail Trim Chart" and "Users Guide".   Good simple instructions.  It's short, I read it every spring at the start of sailing season.

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?51999/Sail%20Trim%20Chart%20and%20Sail%20Trim%20Guide

Jim

[Stu Jackson]

I agree with Ken and Jim.  The traveler changes the "angle of attack" without compromising sail shape.  We find it MUCH easier to readjust the traveler than the mainsheet for modest adjustments of the main.  It's a lot more work to grind in the mainsheet after you've let it out.  This assumes, of course, that you get the newer 6:1 traveler control lines.  With a dodger, you can have Garhauer remove the cam cleats from the traveler end cars and replace them with a sheave, run the lines through grommets in the front dodger glass, and then to bullet fairleads and cam cleats on the aft end of the cabintop.

[Ron Hill]

Guys : Sorry, I should have said, I let out some main sheet/vang line when I'm beating to a beam reach.

Ken, I also use my soft vang as a preventer when sailing down wind.

I'd still recommend to those that are looking to upgrade to a ridgid vang and a traveler to do the vang installation first!!  A thought