Garhauer EZ-Glide Adjustable Genoa Car System

[Rick D]

I just installed one of Garhauer's car systems ( see at http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=37 ). Tried them out on a sail with apparent winds 10-20 knots. At first I thought the big ball-bearing slider and block was over-kill, but when I pulled the car forward on a 16 knot windward beat, I was surprised how much effort it took to move the 4/1 purchase forward. Clearly, I could have stood on the jib sheet all day and not budged it to adjust my old cars. Anyhow, the system does a great job controlling the headsail twist and I look forward to using it again, My genoa is pretty picky about car location, so this should help out a lot. The system was custom made to my measured track dimentions. Thanks to Alan and George for helping me make the decision to move ahead with this 'stimulus' purchase Just don't tell my wife how much stimulus...

 

[Stu Jackson]

We won't tell, promise...

Many of our C34-ers have purchased them. Your point about custom measurements is well taken. What our folks have learned is also very important: those with recessed tracks are well advised to talk to Garhauer BEFORE they make their purchase because Guido and the Gang have solutions to getting the cars on the track. Either they split the cars into two smaller ones or work up a thinner car section so they fit without having to undo the aft two or three bolts on the track to slide the cars onto the track. They sure are amazing once you start using them. Like microwaves and ATMs, how'd we ever live without 'em?

 

[sailingdog]

I added the Garhauer Genoa sheet car system to my boat last season, and it's been worth its weight in gold, especially when single handing and out in the heavier winds.

 

[acolette]

I installed the G-3 on my Hunter 34 over the winter.
I intentionally oversized to get a larger bearing surface and it works like a charm.
The cars glide easily in both directions under heavy load.
This is by far the best single upgrade I have made to my hardware.

Just be super careful installing them so you don't lose bearings.
Laying a barrier on deck to prevent strays from getting away is a very wise move. Your first attempt is unlikely to succeed without chasing a few.

 

[Pat T]

OK, thanks. You guys have just reminded me about one of my next upgrades. I have heard others speak of how nice a system this is. I have paid for the 1/2 half of my new genoa. Soon as it is delivered and I pay for the second half I'll be able to do some more "stimulus spending !"

 

[Rick D]

I also installed one and use it more than I expected. If you have a traveler, you should have one of these ;-)

 

[Jack4865]

I've had the EZ Glide Adjustable Genoa Car system on my boat for about 4 years. It's great and we all know the good reputation of Garhauer.

Has anyone come up with a good way to manage the control line for the EZ Glide? Perhaps a continuous loop? Any ideas?

Jack

 

[Blitz]

Anyone have any pictures of the install - want to see how everyone tends to the lines...

 

[sailingdog]

AFAIK, you can not use a continuous control line on a genoa fairlead car system. The car has to have the line terminated at either the fairlead or the sheave block. A continuous line would do nothing. If you need to manage the line from the fairlead car system, get a small sheet bag and leave the tail of the fairlead position control line in it...

I've had the EZ Glide Adjustable Genoa Car system on my boat for about 4 years. It's great and we all know the good reputation of Garhauer.

Has anyone come up with a good way to manage the control line for the EZ Glide? Perhaps a continuous loop? Any ideas?

Jack

 

[larryw]

The Bene came equipped with a block system to adjust the car, but it won't do it with the 150 genny sheet under load. I luff it up some, adjust, then fall off again. It works pretty well.

 

[Joe]

Here's an installation tip:

The car may be difficult to move backwards under load if the sheet angles up sharply to the winch. This was the case in my genoa track installation, so I ran the sheet horizontally from the car back to a turning block, then up to the winch. I used the old car and lead block to re route the sheet so there would be no upward pressure on it. Here's a couple of pics... red line is the sheet. By the way, I remove the control line, bungy and sheets when I leave the boat... helps preserve them and it only takes a few moments to rig it up.