Traveller line (SK78 / DM20 / o-Kink) – Laser

Description

Traveller line (SK78 / DM20 / o-Kink) – Laser

Looking at many Lasers one might think that any piece of off-cut will do for the traveller line!

In the narrow context of allowing the traveller block to pass from one side to another that might be true but in the broader context of what the traveller can contribute to performance that is less true…

What is it the traveller line needs to facilitate:
1) Enable the traveller block to run cleanly along the traveller line.
2) Enble the traveller block to “hop” cleanly over the tiller when tacking & gybing.
3) Enable the traveller line to be securely cleated.
4) Enable maximum leach tension.
5) Enable the traveller block to stay out on the quarter & not tend to move in towards the centreline.

What features does the traveller line need to have be be able to best facilitate this:
1) Strong & durable – Many lines are strong enough, less are both strong & durable enough.
2) Minimum extension – Many Dynema & similar lines have limited extension (stretch) under the loads imposed by a Laser.
3) Flexible – 12 strand lines are generally flexible enough
4) Smooth finish – Many lines  have a smooth enough finish.
5) Right diameter – This is the tricky one! Thin enough to allow the traveller block to run over at other than at an ideal attitude but thick enough to cleat securely. 6mm might work for the original blocks & cleat but not with the newer blocks which have additional webs in the throat between the cheeks. 5mm allows the newer blocks to run more freely but does not cleat so well in the older (sometimes worn & corroded) cleats. Some 4mm braid on braid type lines cleat well enough but fall short on extension & durability.

If you are replacing the traveller line some thought may also need to be given to upgrading the cleat to the “optional” one. The “optional” cleat has harder anodising (recognised by its darker colour) & a “becket” (cutaway in the base) which is useful for keeping the hiking/toe strap shock cord neat & tidy. (See – Traveller cleat (Optional) – Laser)

Sail and Sport offers the following as traveller lines:
1) Dynema D12 SK78 – BF 2 360 KGf, Extension 3-4% – Strong, flexible, durable with smooth finish requires cleat in good order.
2) Dynema D12 DM20 – BF 2 670 Kgf, Extension ->0% – Strong, flexible, durable with smooth finish requires cleat in good order.
3) Dynema/Robtec “o-Kink” – BF 2 500 Kgf, Extension 3-4% – Less flexible due to braid on braid construction but cleats well, less easy to splice.