Jib traveler bungee setup— one vs two

H16 Fleet:

I’m replacing my job traveler bungee due to age. I have a 2002 with two bungees that tie to the opposite castings (well the dolphin striker rod at the casting). I see from a search the current Worlds boats are setup with a single bungee from car to car.

Any thoughts on which to use? Benefits of one? Benefits of two?

I have no complaints with the two-bungee setup but just curious why the switch to one (besides simpler)

Thanks in advance!
Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

We actually use two on Worlds boats and new boats.

Car to opposite corner casting (tied to the striker rod mid casting).

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt!

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

One has to stretch less and thus retains more "pulling" power to return car. Two is simpler, but a much longer stretch and the possibility of the car not returning as the cord ages and stretches.

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'89 H14 'Jaws'
'85 H16

I think you have that backwards. If only using one bungee cord tied between the two cars, then that bungee has to stretch more because it has to account for the full travel of both cars. In other words, if the traveler tracks are 18” long, then with two bungees, each cord would only need to stretch 18”. But with one bungee, when both cars are traveled all the way out, that cord would need to stretch 36”. Plus, with one bungee, there is less total cord in the system, so it will wear out more quickly and provide less consistent tension in the system through the range of traveler car positions.

sm

Thanks srm. That's what I intended to type, somehow the brain got involved and switched 'em.

I am in the process of riveting cheek blocks onto my '85 corner castings, adding Trentec cars and putting on swiveling cam cleats to make the jib traveler car adjustable on the fly. Bungee will be tied on in two separate pieces as to minimize stretch and wear.

I agree!

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'89 H14 'Jaws'
'85 H16

Follow up question: how long should the two bungees be? I’m assuming 5mm or 1/4” is the right diameter but not sure on length.

Thanks again!
Daniel

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H16 2002 "Islands" Sail No. 107432

I upgraded my travelers last year and went with two lengths of 1/4" that Lowes had on a spool. I don't think you will find a standard length that works in all situations since bungee can be so different, but to find the correct length, just tie onto the car and temporarily tie to the casting and play with the car a bit, adjusting the bungee until it pulls the car without effort or hanging up. You can always tie it tighter later.