sicking traviler on a H18

Are you letting off a little mainsheet before you try to travel out?

I am having to let off the sail and move it by hand

i realize you can use the traveler to let out the main without changing the shape of the sail. but i never use the traveler. when should i be using the traveler?

I am having to let off the sail and move it by hand

H18's REQUIRE you to sheet out the main some to allow the traveler to move at all (i.e. it wont move if you are sheeted hard).

if you still have to move it by hand, either your still sheeted in to hard, or your slug/ball are probably worn down and should be replaced. you could try spraying some silicone spray in the track and on the ball/slug and see if that helps. it is unlikely but i would also check the track and make sure it isn't damaged/pinched in.

i realize you can use the traveler to let out the main without changing the shape of the sail. but i never use the traveler. when should i be using the traveler?

the traveler should basically be centered for upwinds sailing (unless you NEED to depower and then you can let it out a few inches. you will not be able to point as high into the wind with it out but its better than getting slammed and capsize with gusts). Down wind it should be out, at least to the hiking straps and even more depending on how deep (down wind) you are pointing. and somewhere in-between on a beam reach.

on an h18 a little caution should be used about letting the traveler all the way out as you can actually let it out so much that the ball or slug can pop out of the track. on many other cats there are beam bolts on the traveler track. the best way to avoid slamming a bolt head off, or letting the traveler out so far the ball/slug pops out is to tie a knot in the traveler line so the traveler can not go that far

thanks andrew, im self taught and never acme across what to do with it

dschrantz wrote: I guess the big question is should the traviler tab curve upword or down toward the cross bar?

I'm not sure what you are calling the "traveler tab"?

The original design of the traveler had two plastic sliders, one slug and one ball. this works fine if they are new and clean, but they get old and deformed. If you buy replacements now they come with two balls and no slug.

You should first try cleaning the plastic parts and inside the beam track, the beam track collects a lot of crap, use solvent like WD40 to clean the track and remove any road tar etc. in there. Once it is clean you can lube it with Sailcote, but don't use anything sticky that will collect debris.

the plate on the traviler on my hobie turns upward at the point where the block hooks to it. It doesn't look bent but I'm not sure the the previous owner didn't have it put together wrong since whe I brought the boat it had a h16 sail and boom.

"tab" goes up 🙂

check this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcNX1noD71E