Doesn't hurt to ask

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dennisv

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Nov 30, 2009
81
Oday 28 Lake Michigan
Need info if there is any "interchangeability" between mainsheet traveler brands. Have 1984 ODay 28 with a coach mounted Schaefer 1-1/4 archer mainsheet track. Base model Schaefer traveler car with manual pin stops. Would like to change to line controlled traveler, but Schaefer discontinued 1-1/4 track and mating hardware.
QUESTION:
1) Is any other brands, Lewmar etc., interchangeable with Schaefer? Main Car, end blocks, etc.
2) Anyone who has updated their old school Schaefer systems with something new and fancy and want to sell that unit that is sitting around collecting dust and want to sale?
 
Joe

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,188
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
dennisv said:
Need info if there is any "interchangeability" between mainsheet traveler brands.
Click to expand
Yes, there is..... Unfortunately you going to need to be more specific about what it is you actually want to do. if you're trying to find a car to match your old track... Harken, for sure will NOT match any other brand. But Ronstan, Lewmar, Garhaurer and many others fit various sizes of T track. Standard T track will allow cars with bearings. But honestly, I have no idea what "arched" track is... is it curved or something? Here's a page of various traveler brands for you to make comparisons. Happy researching. Oh, you might want to browse Garhaurermarine.com they make a lot of Catalina retrofit gear and prices are reasonable. They use standard T track, in various widths.

So please, describe your current system, a picture would be nice.. just one... and then what you want and why you don't just tear out the old and put in a new system. If you just want an easier adjusting system you may be able to make a few changes to your existing care and track along with a simple purchase system of your own making. Creativity and flexibility is the king here. In the meantime, here's a link to an online chandlery that sells quite a large number of traveler brands. What you want to do is identify each brand's track requirements. As you do this you're going to answer a lot of questions on your own rather than wait for a member here to take the time to figure out what it is you want to do. Get on it. Show us what you have and what you want to change... that'll help.
 
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Richard19068

Richard19068

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Jun 11, 2004
1,760
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
Some years ago I bought just the blocks and control ends from Garhauer to modify the traveler system on my 1985 O'Day31. They were from what now looks like their MT-1Traveler.
I used my existing track and traveler car (pretty sure they are Schaefer). Back then they semi customized the control ends so they would swivel and allow the traveler line to lead fairly through my existing dodger. Had to modify the car a bit to get the new blocks on but it has worked well. They are a fairly small company and will work with you.

It was a huge improvement over the PITA pin stop track ends.



traveler car 2.jpgtraveler car and control end block -02.jpgtraveler car and control end block.jpgtraveler car.jpgtraveler control end - top.jpg
 
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D

dennisv

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Nov 30, 2009
81
Oday 28 Lake Michigan
Sorry, I got soo excited I hit the post reply button. Were the end blocks that you are showing modified or custom pieced together, or were they supplied totally complete by Garhauer? Did you use Garhauer for the blocks attached to your traveler car?
 
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Sunbird22358

Sunbird22358

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Jun 2, 2004
1,944
Oday Day Sailer Wareham, MA
Joe said:
But honestly, I have no idea what "arched" track is... is it curved or something?
Click to expand
"Arched Track" means the standard type of track is formed into an arch to match the deck or cabin top "crown" (curve).
Here is a traveller on a 272, note the "arch".
 

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Richard19068

Richard19068

.
Jun 11, 2004
1,760
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
dennisv said:
Sorry, I got soo excited I hit the post reply button. Were the end blocks that you are showing modified or custom pieced together, or were they supplied totally complete by Garhauer? Did you use Garhauer for the blocks attached to your traveler car?
Click to expand
Garhauer supplied all of it except for the longer bolts I needed to extend the mainsheet block up from the traveler car.
The end blocks are essentially the same as the end blocks on their MT-1 traveler. They did customize those a bit to make them swivel but in hind sight I really didn't need them to swivel.
They also supplied the blocks that I attached to my existing traveler car. Again, I think those are the same blocks as on their MT-1 traveler.

So what I think you want are the blocks from their MT-1 traveler without the track or traveler car.

Check the dimensions of your track and, as eherlihy said, "call them". Guido, who was the traveler guru, passed away a couple of years ago but I'm sure they have someone else who will help you. If they need to customize something for you they will. I think they build them to order anyway.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,093
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
@dennisv You have been given great advise... The key is to match the track with the car (width and depth of track). Then you can keep your old track (save a little money if you do not need to buy track).
 
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eherlihy

eherlihy

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Aug 17, 2010
323
Oday 35 Barrington
Richard19068 said:
Check the dimensions of your track and, as eherlihy said, "call them". Guido, who was the traveler guru, passed away a couple of years ago but I'm sure they have someone else who will help you. If they need to customize something for you they will. I think they build them to order anyway.
Click to expand
I believe that it was Guido's wife that you are referring to. When I modified the traveler on my O'day 35 in 2012, I purchased a Nico-Fico traveler car from RigRite (NF 1162) for $550. I then needed to order the traveler end cam cleats with a becket from Garhauer. I spoke with Guido, and he asked me what I paid for the traveler car. He choked when I told him, and said that I could have bought an entire traveler from Garhauer for less than that. I explained that I did not want to replace the track, which was mounted and did not leak, and he understood (I now wish that I had replaced the track). He said that I should have the parts in a week.

A week-and-a-half went by, and I had not received a package, so I called them. I was informed that Guido's wife had just passed away, and the day that I called happened to be the day of her funeral. THE NEXT DAY, Guido called me back, I expressed my condolences, and he thanked me, apologized for the delay and express shipped the parts to me!

Garhauer is AWESOME!
 
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