E38 Traveler Mounting

[E38-252]

I have 1988 e38. The traveler is attached to the top of the cabin by a bracket that that has four bolts on the bottom and is attached to the traveler on the top. This bracket provides precisely the necessary clearance for thr traveler to clear the companionway cover. The bracket is U shaped affair made from an L shaped piece of anodized aluminum bar stock which is welded to a flat piece of bar stock that has the four bolts in it, making the finished piece a U. Two weeks ago, sailing in some challenging conditions, the weld on the port side traveler bracket completely failed. My solution is to find a marine fabricator and have him weld it back together as I suspect this is a custom job from the builder. Does anybody know if this particular U shaped bracket was made by anyone who could sell me a replacement today?

 

[JeffM]

Traveler bracket

I would imagine that the bracket was a custom fabricated part produced by a jobber in the Irvine, CA area at the time. Although nothing is impossible, I doubt there's a supplier of pre-made parts to be found.I think having a new one fabicated would be the best bet. If it were me, I would also consider using stainless steel and replacing both sides. My concern would be that the other side was overstressed during what must have been an exciting emergency.

 

[Ted]

E-38 Traveller Concerns

I would not advise attaching stainless to aluminum unless as a last resort. It is an invitation to galvanic corrosion. Either go all aluminum or all stainless. You may find someone who has already tackled this problem on www.ericsonyachts.org. There are many more 38 owners there.