DHT wrote:
With all the recent posts on HOW TO INSTALL a Traveller on the Wave, there hasn't been much talk about whether or not a Traveller is indeed necessary...
From everything I've read so far, everyone seemed to agree that a Traveller (for the WAVE) is a big feature... until I happened to talk with Rick White by chance while calling around some of the dealers in the US who might have one in stock (for some reason Hobie USA is out of stock and they did not have a date when it would be available next.)
Anyway, he surprised me when he said he doesn't think one is even needed -- especially considering the price/benefit!!!! It wasn't just a casual comment, he sounded quite adament about it... and I didn't argue with him since I myself have not experienced it yet.
Later on I also found a thread on Cat Sailor where he had written the same thing:
http://www.catsailor.com/forums/showfla ... Post114341 What's your thoughts/Comments?
I too have read those threads on catasailor, and recall that one. One thing I remember is that alot of those guys use custom sails, w/ the lowest batten angled downward. Somehow this helps keep the sail shape in those broad reaches or other situations where you would want to travel out. I for one still want to get the traveller, as I see situations where the sail just seems out of shape, particularly when broad reacching or running. Also, in high winds you are able to better control the sail shape, flatten it, etc. The fact that the Wave is boomless, no boom vang, etc, makes it even more valuable to me. I don't know, but I had a H14 once, and havng used the traveller on that little cat-rigged boat, I can see the benefit applied to the Wave.
I think the reason the Wave does not have one, is to keep the cost down, and keep the simple boat simple. Which alot of folks might want. I don't think the traveller really adds to the complexity, but may look intimidating for a new sailor, seeing all that hardware, etc, what do you do with that thing, ya know.
Do you absolutely need it, probably not. Cost to benefit ratio? I guess that is totally up the the user. Just like any other upgrade.