Lewmar traveler track

[Brian M H23]

Does anyone know of a traveler car that will fit on a lewmar size-0 track and not be the cruddy lewmar car that decided it would rather be at the boom than down on the boat? It's not even that old..and I find it interesting that on the west marine website, if you click on the lewmar traveler in a search..it takes you to harken stuff. Too many returns perhaps?!?

 

[Doug_Meyer]

Replace car and track (?)

It would probably be worthwhile to replace both the Lewmar car and the track with Harken hardware suitable to the size of the boat. The Harken equipment is not that much more expensive, and there is a noticible difference in the smoothness of operation.You could probably find both the Lewmar and the Harken hardware at Defender.com and their prices are quite competitive.

 

[Denise]

Garhaurer

Hey Brian you done broke it!! LOL That must of been some wind! Try Garhauer! Their stuff is pretty stout and cheaper than the big 3. In the Message I sent you I mentioned boom vang. which may be a good idea since a vang keeps the boom from lifting and reduces the loads on the travler. Also when single handing a cabin top travler is not as easy to use as one in the cocpit in front of the compainon way. (just an opinion) Glad your enjoying the boat!Denise

 

[Brian M H23]

Investigations

So, i took a look at the traveler. The failur was caused by a tiny little plastic flap, maybe 1/16" thick, cracking. This let balls free, and once there are no balls in there, it jumps off!! a box of plastic balls is only a couple dollars, new METAL endcaps..i guess i might make them. a simple aluminum plate with 2 holes and 2 slots would suffice. I still can't fathom why the ball retainer is so wimpy...FWIW, the haarken cars are advertised as "No more flying ball bearings!"

 

[CharlieCobra]

Yep, they use a steel retainer.

I like mine.