The J/24 class rules (found http://www.j24class.org/usa) require (in section 3.5.4 I):
- Two mainsheet traveler control lines with a maximum of a 2:1 power ratio
- A traveler bar in "Plan A Deck Layout" mounted a specific distance from the stern
The rules are silent about the bar design or material. Typically the traveler bar track is an aluminum cross section from Harken or Ronstan. The bar support is made of wood or aluminum. The wooden bars are made of ash or oak. Metal bars are made of aluminum. I have a wooden bar with a foot rest and a mount for my ratcheted mainsheet block
Replacing the traveler car requires removing the traveler bar from its mount. Accordingly when replacing the traveler car, it is a good time to replace the traveler bar track. If the traveler bar track is the original, it is a Forespar/Kenyon that is out of production and it is not likely that you can find a car to fit it
The traveler car can be as fancy as a windward sheeting car by Harken or just a good quality car. Buy the track and car together so they work as the traveler car manufacturer intended. Often you will find the ratchet block of the mainsheet system mounted to the center of the traveler track with a single w/ Becket mounted to the traveler car. This is a good design in that it allows access to break the mainsheet when the travel car is al the way to leeward and everyone is hiking like mad. The alternate is the skipper may have to move low to uncleat or recleat the main sheet.
There are good deck layouts in the sail tuning lines online. There is a Harken Layout and Ronstan Layout. Both are similar. (See http://www.quantumsails.com/products/onedesign/c.asp?CID=17 or http://www.northsailsod.com/class/j24/j24_tuning.html).
-Courtesy Alan Bomar
roundabout USA 85
25 March 2004
