Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

iansan5653
Posts: 101
Joined: Sun May 09, 2021 4:39 pm

Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by iansan5653 »

The traveler on my F21 is currently rigged with a 3:1 purchase using some micro blocks attached to eyes at the end of the traveler bar:
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This way works pretty well, but I'm worried that if the stopper knot, line, cleat, or blocks failed under load, the traveler car could fly off the end of the track, allowing the boom to swing forward uninhibited and destroy the gooseneck while the traveler ball bearings fly everywhere. Not my ideal day on the water :D . Also, the blocks aren't really aligned so there's some weird twists in there (more of an aesthetic problem than anything else).

I've found a great deal on a Harken end control (https://www.harken.com/en/shop/22-mm-sm ... -set-of-2/) with two blocks built in, which would solve all of these problems. The only thing is I've never seen one in person and it seems like with the way the traveler bar is set up on the F21, these blocks are going to be hanging off the end of the bar hovering over the deck - perfect for catching lines and toes.

I could lose a purchase and get a lower profile single block end control, but it's not nearly as good of a deal and I'm not sure that I want to lose that purchase. Alternatively I could just buy a $20 end stop set and leave everything else as it is.

How is your traveler rigged? What do you think would work best?
Ian Sanders
1983 Freedom 21 - Shoal Draft
St Petersburg (Tampa Bay), FL

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RadioZephyr
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Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by RadioZephyr »

I have installed Harken end controls before, and it requires drilling holes down through the aluminum track, with the end stop as a guide. It's pretty straightforward, and it allows you to put the end controls exactly where you want (unless there's a screw hole in the way). Tripping shouldn't be an issue, as it looks like you have a nice clear section of track at either end.

I think this would be a great setup for your boat, but make sure that you double check the diameter of your track before ordering them, as Harken makes traveler parts for 3 different track sizes (I believe).

Speaking of Harken end controls: on the bigger boats, Freedom used to drill all the way through the cabin top and through-bolt them, instead of just threading in that short screw up against the bottom of the track. Apparently they didn't want to take any chances on a crash jibe with an 18' boom. Your boat should be fine with the recommended setup though.
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Josh
Sunset Spy
F38, Hull #152
Boston, MA

iansan5653
Posts: 101
Joined: Sun May 09, 2021 4:39 pm

Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by iansan5653 »

Thanks Josh, that's exactly the info I was looking for. Do the controls bolt through the bar with a nut on the inside of the bar? Also do you install a trim cap along with the controls?

Edit - I see now that the control itself is threaded, so no need for a nut on the other side.
Ian Sanders
1983 Freedom 21 - Shoal Draft
St Petersburg (Tampa Bay), FL

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newt2u
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Location: UK

Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by newt2u »

Hi Ian,

Mine has 2 to 1 purchase.
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It is difficult to pull the traveller down unless you ease the main sheet but if you do that there is no problem. That is because of the deck camber, without easing the main sheet, you are effectively tightening the main with the traveller.

Chris
Rockin - F21 twin drop keels - located Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK

hkowalczyk
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Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2010 1:55 am

Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by hkowalczyk »

Are you missing the cap on the end of the traveler track (the red one in this picture).
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?

as you can see I have the setup you are going for. I don't remember having to do anything out of the ordinary to install them. I think I just through bolted them. If I remember, I'll check the next time I'm out on the boat. Honestly though, I rarely every move the traveller off center. I would make other changes before tackling this one.

iansan5653
Posts: 101
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Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by iansan5653 »

Thanks for both of those pictures - I do adjust the halyard pretty often (more than I adjust the mainsheet) so I definitely want to keep the 3:1. I previously had 2:1 and wasn't satisfied with it.

@hkowalczyk I see you have an end cap and an end control - do you think both are necessary or can I leave the end cap out if I have the control? I have already ordered the controls so I guess I can just wait and see.

Now here's hoping I don't have to do any post-Elsa repairs before I get to work on this.


Chris, just out of curiosity - what's that other line you have attached with the block at the same point as your vang?
Ian Sanders
1983 Freedom 21 - Shoal Draft
St Petersburg (Tampa Bay), FL

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newt2u
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Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by newt2u »

Ian, that is my main sheet. You may have noticed I have a spray hood and with this up, there is a problem in accessing the main sheet as you use the traveller. I have a fiddle block with clam that is fixed to the traveller. I have disabled the clam, turned the block around so the sheet exits forward, the sheet then goes to a block at the vang on the boom, down to the deck, through another block and passes through the cutout on the hood on the starboard side where all the other control lines pass through. Ideally it should go all the way forward to the mast, down and back but this works almost as well.
Rockin - F21 twin drop keels - located Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK

hkowalczyk
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Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by hkowalczyk »

No you don't need the cap. The new style of cap is decorative anyway the control block will stop the traveller from going off the track. I don't really remember why I kept it (it's been >10 years), probably didn't really even think about it!

Chris, what's the double block for that's tied off to the chrome piece?

Good luck with Elsa.

iansan5653
Posts: 101
Joined: Sun May 09, 2021 4:39 pm

Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by iansan5653 »

Neat, thanks for the details! That's a cool idea and I might try it one day.

Chris' boat has twin drop keels (of which I'm very jealous) so I'm guessing the double block is for adjusting the port keel.
Ian Sanders
1983 Freedom 21 - Shoal Draft
St Petersburg (Tampa Bay), FL

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newt2u
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Re: Freedom 21 Traveler End Controls

Post by newt2u »

Yes the block and tackle there is for the drop keel, although I do not adjust them… just lift for trailering. To be honest, I am not too happy with the design. They are secured when down with a 5mm pin in a stainless track on each side, which seems very flimsy for their weight. Also, when I bought my boat one keel plate was bent, I guess from grounding. It had jammed up and was a pig to remove. It is now straightened and I replaced the pin as it was quite worn.
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Rockin - F21 twin drop keels - located Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK

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