Hunter 28.5 main sheet car

Oct 20, 2011
127
Hunter 30 Green Bay
I just bought a 86 28.5 , then the next day it snowed ! Anyway, the main sheet traveler car is so poorly designed that you can barely pull the ropes to move it from side to side. I am guessing this is the origional for the boat. The track is 1.25" . Has anyone had this and replaced it with something better? I am selling my H30 , so if anyone has some tips for the 28.5 I would appreciate the info.
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,605
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Bummer on the snow! Boat is not in the water I assume.

Do you have any photos of the traveller? It could be replaced with something new I imagine.

But maybe it just needs to be cleaned, lubricated, etc.?

Greg
 
Jan 21, 2009
260
Catalina 30 Lake Perry, KS
I have a friend who moved his traveler to the cabin top. I would look at Garhauer who make a great traveler and risers. Not cheap but cheaper than Harken. Works better and makes the cockpit more usable.
 

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,198
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Measure the track width and, If you can, the clearance between the top flange and the deck/mounting. Standard "T" track is used my many manufacturers... it commonly comes in 1" or 1 1/4" width. This is what will determine the size car you choose. There are a few builders that use a proprietary track ... Harken for sure. But make sure you understand this before you fall in love with a particular car. Lewmar, Ronstan, Schaeffer and a number of others all use standard track. Don't think about moving the traveler to the cabin top unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money and understand the engineering design changes that may be required.
Without a picture to reference, I can't tell the range limits your corrent track allows.... but in my opinion you want the car's range to extend as far as possible. So... I would suggest not purchasing a system with all the cleats and sheaves stacked on the ends of the track. On your size boat, 3 or 4 to one should be plenty, my 27 footer is set up 3:1... remember the boom acts as a lever and gives you extra power, unlike the mid boom system which would need more purchase on the track car. Here's a link to help you. Lots of goodies here. Check out Garhaurer Marine also.
 

RoyS

.
Jun 3, 2012
1,742
Hunter 33 Steamboat Wharf, Hull, MA
If the control lines are too thick for the small sheaves on the traveller and the track end fittings you can have that problem.
 
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Likes: Benny17441
Jun 8, 2004
10,451
-na -NA Anywhere USA
There Is a help line on this site who can help that are former employees. There may be charge and may have the original build list on your boat. It would be extremely helpful to know the year of the boat and a picture or two of the traveler.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,158
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Dave. The OP says it is a 1986 28.5 Hunter.
Pictures would help.