Wire Horse Traveler

[algonquin]

My DS1 (#818) originally came with a wire horse traveler that has the mounting points molded into the corners of the aft deck. A previous owner scrapped the wire horse and used the spinnaker blocks mounted aft to make a control line triangle for the boom.

From what I have read on this site it isn’t the most desirable set up for racing as most racers have gone for a traveler system with more control that allows shaping the triangle for improved main sail control.

I am more of a cruiser than racer but have considered restoring the wire horse system and freeing up the spinnaker blocks in order to use them as intended. Plus I like the idea of using a system original to the boat.

I was wondering how common was the wire horse system ? Appears to only be on early DS1s.

Anyone here still using the wire horse traveler ? What do you think about it?

[jpclowes]

Algonquin
I'm sorry nobody has replied to this post before me. I can't help much, since I have never seen a traveler like that. I have a friend whose DS has the fittings for one, but it was gone long before I met him.

I have another suggestion, have you considered just adding a couple new blocks for the Spinnaker? I added both the traveler and the spin blocks to my boat. They don't need to be all the way at the stern of the boat. Mine are actually closer to where the combing ends, so I have room for the traveler, and they won't foul each other.

Just a thought.

[algonquin]

Thank you for your input. I also was surprised that no one had posted on this subject. Seems to have had many readers. I guess the issue is that the wire(cable) horse traveler system was only used on early DS models. Apparently the multitudes of current DS owners probably haven’t seen it as most of the older boats have been upgraded when the cable wore out.

I have ordered the tackle from Duck Works to do just what you have suggested although I still haven’t quite made up my mind yet about not restoring the wire horse. Of course with the cold and the snow and the tarp I won’t begin any repair or upgrade to the traveler for a few more months.

Brad