The Harken Pro-Trim's high power ratio is achieved through the use of a geared mechanism driven by a shaft connected to a line driver sheave in the cockpit. |
Line-Driven belowdeck geared system
for mechanical advantage
November-2006-Amsterdam, Holland—Harken Yacht Equipment's latest sail handling innovation, the Harken Pro-Trim traveler system, was awarded Special Mention by the judges at the the DAME Competition. The competition is held annually at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam and recognizes innovation in design of marine equipment. The hotly contested category of Sailboat Hardware always features the largest number of entrants and innovations. Harken has won this category or has earned Special Mention an impressive 12 of the 15 years of the competition. This is the DAME's 16th year. The announcement of the winners will be held on Tuesday, November 14th.
The Harken Pro-Trim (HPT) belowdeck traveler system was conceived and prototyped by Lou Varney of Diverse Yachts/Tropical Engineering, with development spearhead by Harken custom engineer, Ethan Brown. A completely new concept, the HPT's high power ratio is achieved through the use of a geared mechanism driven by a shaft connected to a line driver sheave in the cockpit. Constant pressure on both loaded and unloaded control lines provides a slack-free system.
The HPT creates mechanical advantage without using a multiple-purchase block system, winches, or installing complicated hydraulics. It is lighter and smoother operating than a winch system and provides a smoother, more constant force than a hydraulic pump. Its relatively small footprint (compared to belowdeck cascades) makes it a great choice for performance racer/cruisers that want a clean deck, as much space below as possible, and efficient on-deck sail control.
"In my career as a professional sailor, so many boats had traveler systems without enough purchase for adjustment under load", said HPT creator Lou Varney. "The idea of the Harken Pro-Trim was to build a compact, belowdecks system with enough power so the trimmer could enjoy fingertip control and limitless mechanical advantage simply by pulling on a line. The great thing about the Pro-Trim is that it's not just for travelers, but any system that needs lots of power."
"Lou came to us with the small footprint, low-friction traveler prototype and asked us to develop and increase the power so it could work on a TP52 or similar boat," said Harken project leader, Ethan Brown. "We increased efficiency, eliminated line snarl-ups caused by twisted or capsized block systems and placed the mechanics belowdecks. The result is a compact, modular traveler system that is extremely efficient and easy to handle."
The Harken Pro-Trim was tested on the new Rogers 46 Danebury Vineyards built
at CMI in Thailand. The boat is currently being successfully sailed in the UK, having recently become the IRC and IRM champion at the Garmin Hamble Big Boat Series.
Harken, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative sailboat hardware and accessories. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Harken manufactures in the USA and Italy. Their network includes offices in Rhode Island, California, Florida, France, Italy, Japan, Slovenia, Sweden, Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Copyright© 2008 Harken, Inc. All rights reserved
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