I have the original Schaefer traveller on my '85 Hunter 31, and would like to replace it with a Harken. Anybody have any experience with this? How major of a project is it? Is it possible to use the original mounting holes for the track? I sent an e-mail request to Harken for info, but haven't heard back from them yet. Tom Madura s/v "Good Vices"
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You betcha!
Tom: I have done this on our H'31 several years ago. We either sent the original track to them or gave them the measurements. They returned the track and it was a bolt on. They did not charge much for the custom drilling. We can now control the load on the main regardless of the wind. The old system was totally inadequate. The Harken is a good unit but have you looked at the newer Schafer stuff? I thought that the original was actually Ronstan (not sure, and maybe be different on our year).
Tom: I have done this on our H'31 several years ago. We either sent the original track to them or gave them the measurements. They returned the track and it was a bolt on. They did not charge much for the custom drilling. We can now control the load on the main regardless of the wind. The old system was totally inadequate. The Harken is a good unit but have you looked at the newer Schafer stuff? I thought that the original was actually Ronstan (not sure, and maybe be different on our year).
M
Michael O'
Stop - Contact Garhauer!
I upgraded my traveler last spring with a Garhauer unit. Check the prices between Harken and Garhauer and you'll be amazed! I think Garhauer was about HALF the price of Harken. www.garhauermarine.com After meeting the family that owns the company at the boat show, I sent Garhauer my old track, they matched the holes, and cut the new track to fit perfectly. I bought the powerful MT-2 system ($350) and added a piece of teak underneath it to raise it up on my Hunter '31. You may want to check out a different system to avoid the height problem. Our boats have the traveler located in a recessed channel. The MT-2 traveler car needs to lifted above that channel in order to slide back and forth. You will be amazed at the difference. I should have made the change years ago.
I upgraded my traveler last spring with a Garhauer unit. Check the prices between Harken and Garhauer and you'll be amazed! I think Garhauer was about HALF the price of Harken. www.garhauermarine.com After meeting the family that owns the company at the boat show, I sent Garhauer my old track, they matched the holes, and cut the new track to fit perfectly. I bought the powerful MT-2 system ($350) and added a piece of teak underneath it to raise it up on my Hunter '31. You may want to check out a different system to avoid the height problem. Our boats have the traveler located in a recessed channel. The MT-2 traveler car needs to lifted above that channel in order to slide back and forth. You will be amazed at the difference. I should have made the change years ago.
E
Eric Steege
Did this last year -- Harken
Look in the archives under "Replacement Mainsheet Traveler for H31?" and you will find my posting and thread from about one year ago. I really don't remember all the details except that Harken did not sell the tracks in the same length so I had to cut it to length with a hacksaw. I think all the holes lined up perfectly, and I was able to install it in a couple of hours -- right before a race. I ordered the parts through Hooper's Yatchs in Afton, MN and they expedited everything and made sure that I had all the pieces that I need. I love the new traveler -- the boat is so much easier to sail. I wish the old traveler would have broken earlier. Eric Perfect Union Hunter 31 Bayport, MN
Look in the archives under "Replacement Mainsheet Traveler for H31?" and you will find my posting and thread from about one year ago. I really don't remember all the details except that Harken did not sell the tracks in the same length so I had to cut it to length with a hacksaw. I think all the holes lined up perfectly, and I was able to install it in a couple of hours -- right before a race. I ordered the parts through Hooper's Yatchs in Afton, MN and they expedited everything and made sure that I had all the pieces that I need. I love the new traveler -- the boat is so much easier to sail. I wish the old traveler would have broken earlier. Eric Perfect Union Hunter 31 Bayport, MN
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Rick Warner
Ditto Garhauer
I agree that Garhauer is the way to go. I saw the equipment at Strictly Sail in Chicago and purchased an MT-2. Its a very beefy unit and I am satisfied. I also added a 30 SL 4-1 Vang. Price and service is great. They also measured my old track and matched up the holes so that installation was a snap.
I agree that Garhauer is the way to go. I saw the equipment at Strictly Sail in Chicago and purchased an MT-2. Its a very beefy unit and I am satisfied. I also added a 30 SL 4-1 Vang. Price and service is great. They also measured my old track and matched up the holes so that installation was a snap.
Big Garhauer fan but......
I am a big Garhauer fan too. They make some very nice products. The one thing with the Harken unit it is direct replacement. The track and the car will fit in the existing space. Harken will also cut the track to be a direct replacment (you do not need to do this). If you cut it yourself there will not be an anodize on the cut end of the track. The Garhauer unit needs to be elevated to clear the spacing (assuming that this is because of the width of the car). If you decide to go with the Garhauer unit, you may want to consider using something like Starboard or Kingboard as a spacer to eliminate the maintenance problem of a teak strip. This will be a very difficult place to sand and varnish.
I am a big Garhauer fan too. They make some very nice products. The one thing with the Harken unit it is direct replacement. The track and the car will fit in the existing space. Harken will also cut the track to be a direct replacment (you do not need to do this). If you cut it yourself there will not be an anodize on the cut end of the track. The Garhauer unit needs to be elevated to clear the spacing (assuming that this is because of the width of the car). If you decide to go with the Garhauer unit, you may want to consider using something like Starboard or Kingboard as a spacer to eliminate the maintenance problem of a teak strip. This will be a very difficult place to sand and varnish.
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