Replacing traveller sheet

[Dave_S]

The sheet (not sure if it's called a sheet) that adjusts the position of the main traveller continually twists up and restricts the extent of the traveller. Is there a rope that is less likely to twist up?

[rognvald]

Dave,
The mainsheet is the block assembly/tackle that slides along your traveler to adjust the angle of the mainsail in relation to the strength of the wind. There is always some natural twist in your mainsheet and it is unlikely, unless improperly rigged, that there is a problem. If the sheet(line) is old and perhaps salt encrusted, I would suggest washing your sheet in a mild detergent in lukewarm water and rinsing it several times in cool, fresh water before reinstalling it. Why not send a pix so we can get a better idea of what is happening. Good luck and safe sailing.

[UNCIVILIZED]

An intriguing problem for sure. As I've not encountered this with a traveler as yet, in 4 decades of sailing. Might you post a video? And do you have an ultra wide traveler that could be a part of the problem. Since longer runs of line can at times, hockle more.

In answer to the twisting question, & rope type question. You might try a single braid rope such as Regatta Braid. Or in a pinch, Spectra; though Spectra likely won't much like being cleated.

And if you need to check that the lines are properly led, Harken has some reeving diagrams, ditto on system diagrams. Just click on the word Harken

[Dave_S]

Thanks all

Attached image of the traveller line, not twisted but after some use it twists up so much it coils around it's self.

The red and white rope

[Sailmonkey]

First, your traveller sheet looks really well aged, maybe even recycled. Any good double braid should work here.

More importantly, how is your traveler adjusted?

By hand through cam cleats, or pulled with a winch?

[SV DestinyAscen]

When's the last time you took the line out and soaked it in a bucket of soapy water?

[Dave_S]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

First, your traveller sheet looks really well aged, maybe even recycled. Any good double braid should work here.

More importantly, how is your traveler adjusted?

By hand through cam cleats, or pulled with a winch?

Usually just by hand, there is a winch at either end as per attached but I just use this to lock it in place.

[Dave_S]

Originally Posted by SV DestinyAscen

When's the last time you took the line out and soaked it in a bucket of soapy water?

I'm guessing never is the wrong answers here! How often should it be done?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Dave_S

Usually just by hand, there is a winch at either end as per attached but I just use this to lock it in place.

I'm thinking you've got a combination of problems here.

First is the line looks past it's prime, second is the act of loading on the winch, technique dependent, can really introduce some twists into the line.

My suggestion would be to replace the line, then make an effort to either not use the winches at all, or pay close attention to how you're twisting the line when you load the winches.

[SV DestinyAscen]

Originally Posted by Dave_S

I'm guessing never is the wrong answers here! How often should it be done?

Sort of depend on how much spray you get on your traveler - but I'd say once a season minimum to keep it nice and soft.

[Stumble]

Get rid of the double braid and switch to a single braid. The problem withdouble braids is the core twists inside of the cover and they get unlocked from each other. From there the problem just gets worse over time. A single braid will loose all of the twist as soon as it is uncleated. I like Samson DPX-Control, it's a dyneema/polyesterblend 12 strand so it won't absorb water, and the poly helps keep the price down.