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Traveler on the bimini?

Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2013 6:45 pm
by Jwood1
I've been looking at PDQ 36's and noticed that the newer models (1999 and later?) have the traveler mounted on top of the bimini instead of at the rear of the cockpit. I would worry that that would be a lot of extra stress on the bimini. On the other hand, it opens up the rear of the cockpit. Anyone care to comment on the relative merits or disadvantages of the bimini mounted traveler?

Re: Traveler on the bimini?

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 1:48 pm
by Page 83
The PDQ-engineered bimini with traveller is strong enough to handle the quite significant lateral loads* of the mainsheet. But these loads are difficult to calculate and should not be lightly undertaken by after-market bimini or targa builders. I asked several established arch builders about mounting mainsheet tracks, and all refused to build them.

*Think crash gybe.