I am a bit confused as to what I should get to replace the stock traveler system on my 1978 Catalina 27. I have looked at Harken and Lewmar systems. Both seem like they would work fine, but since the track is different, it looks like I would need to drill additional holes in the wooden support for the track. Can someone give me some suggestions on what they have done and which Harken or Lewmar system they have gone with? Appreciate the help.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
T
Tom Soko
Contact Garhauer
mj, I'd give a call to Garhauer Marine (909-985-9993). They make the travelers for all the newer models, and I'm sure can set you up with a replacement for a VERY reasonable price.
mj, I'd give a call to Garhauer Marine (909-985-9993). They make the travelers for all the newer models, and I'm sure can set you up with a replacement for a VERY reasonable price.
M
mjbliemel
Thanks, might try that route
Thanks, might try that route. I have heard of Garhauer of course, good idea. Anyone have any other suggestions? Anyone have Harken or Lewmar installed as a replacement on their C 27? EDIT: Took a look at their site and emailed them. Looks like nice equipment that would suit my needs just fine. About $215 for the system I am interested in.
Thanks, might try that route. I have heard of Garhauer of course, good idea. Anyone have any other suggestions? Anyone have Harken or Lewmar installed as a replacement on their C 27? EDIT: Took a look at their site and emailed them. Looks like nice equipment that would suit my needs just fine. About $215 for the system I am interested in.
D
Dave
Catalina Direct
I ordered an upgrade traveler for my 76 C27 from Catalina Direct. It fits perfectly and is of good quality. I am not sure of the make, but give them a call they are always very helpful. Dave
I ordered an upgrade traveler for my 76 C27 from Catalina Direct. It fits perfectly and is of good quality. I am not sure of the make, but give them a call they are always very helpful. Dave
J
Joe Ford
Harken...
...I have a harken car (the small blue one), 3 to 1 purchase on end boom sheeting, cleats on cockpit sides. I would love to have the windward sheeting feature added to the car, but it's pricey. You have to use Harken track for their cars.(get the low profile type) About $10/foot. Easy to install. The cars work well under load, that's very important if you're using your traveller for it's intended purpose.
...I have a harken car (the small blue one), 3 to 1 purchase on end boom sheeting, cleats on cockpit sides. I would love to have the windward sheeting feature added to the car, but it's pricey. You have to use Harken track for their cars.(get the low profile type) About $10/foot. Easy to install. The cars work well under load, that's very important if you're using your traveller for it's intended purpose.
L
Leighton
traveler replaced
mj, I just replaced my traveler and ordered it from Catalina Direct. They order hardware directly from Garhauer. I had a chance to meet some of the folks from Garheuer at the boat show here in Jack London Square and they're really, really helpfull. I have a cabin top system and after replacing it....didn't know what I was missing! I also had to replace the control lines which ran another $70. This threw my CFO out of whack but I survived.
mj, I just replaced my traveler and ordered it from Catalina Direct. They order hardware directly from Garhauer. I had a chance to meet some of the folks from Garheuer at the boat show here in Jack London Square and they're really, really helpfull. I have a cabin top system and after replacing it....didn't know what I was missing! I also had to replace the control lines which ran another $70. This threw my CFO out of whack but I survived.
K
Keith Branton
c27 Traveller
I installed a garhauer several years ago and it is a superb piece of equipment. Not easy as it is a squeaky fit in between the tillerhead and the lazarette cover, but it will go Draco #2301
I installed a garhauer several years ago and it is a superb piece of equipment. Not easy as it is a squeaky fit in between the tillerhead and the lazarette cover, but it will go Draco #2301
M
mjbliemel
RE: Joe Ford reply
Did you have to drill new holes in the wood supporting the traveler using the Harken system? Since the track size and holes are different (location of holes), it would seem that you would need to drill new holes, which is holding me back from going with the Harken. The Garhauer looks good to me, I could go either way though. Cost is not that much of a factor in my decision. Ease of doing the replacement is probably more important than anything else.
Did you have to drill new holes in the wood supporting the traveler using the Harken system? Since the track size and holes are different (location of holes), it would seem that you would need to drill new holes, which is holding me back from going with the Harken. The Garhauer looks good to me, I could go either way though. Cost is not that much of a factor in my decision. Ease of doing the replacement is probably more important than anything else.
J
Joe Ford
re: harken track
... I put the same car on the C27 because it worked so well on my Nacra catamaran. The problem with the garhauer system is that the control blocks are mounted on the track, and that limits the outboard reach of the car. It's also an expensive part. Because of the limited cockpit space, try to find a system that allows the car its maximum range. Mount the blocks directly to the coaming rather than the track. Regarding the harken track... Yes, you have to drill a few holes. Not a big deal. Remember, the track is bolted through the wood base AND the deck. Take the opportunity to refinish the base while you have it off. You'll also have to trim the track with a hack saw to insure a perfect fit. Any changes you make will require removal of the existing track. Do not make your decision based on the reluctance to drill a few holes. The chances are that the replacement track, no matter what brand, will require some kind of drilling and cutting for the proper fit. Do not be afraid of this project. It is much easier than it sounds. With the lazarette hatch open, you have easy access to both sides of the bolts. Use appropriate fender washers for backing. If you want to fill the old holes with plugs or filler that is fine, but I didn't. Use 3m 101 or bedding compound, don't use 5200 or 4200. I used the low profile track, but the regular heighth may work a little better to keep the control lines out of the way of the car. I have thought of making some changes like putting exit blocks flush with the coaming to allow the car to move a little further outboard. If price is no object I highly recommend investing in a windward sheeting traveller car. Very, very cool. Check the catalogues. The small one will work for the C27. It's like $250. That car with flush blocks would give you a pretty efficient system. The traveller is my primary mainsail adjustment and it needs to work well under load. That is my main consideration in choosing the car.
... I put the same car on the C27 because it worked so well on my Nacra catamaran. The problem with the garhauer system is that the control blocks are mounted on the track, and that limits the outboard reach of the car. It's also an expensive part. Because of the limited cockpit space, try to find a system that allows the car its maximum range. Mount the blocks directly to the coaming rather than the track. Regarding the harken track... Yes, you have to drill a few holes. Not a big deal. Remember, the track is bolted through the wood base AND the deck. Take the opportunity to refinish the base while you have it off. You'll also have to trim the track with a hack saw to insure a perfect fit. Any changes you make will require removal of the existing track. Do not make your decision based on the reluctance to drill a few holes. The chances are that the replacement track, no matter what brand, will require some kind of drilling and cutting for the proper fit. Do not be afraid of this project. It is much easier than it sounds. With the lazarette hatch open, you have easy access to both sides of the bolts. Use appropriate fender washers for backing. If you want to fill the old holes with plugs or filler that is fine, but I didn't. Use 3m 101 or bedding compound, don't use 5200 or 4200. I used the low profile track, but the regular heighth may work a little better to keep the control lines out of the way of the car. I have thought of making some changes like putting exit blocks flush with the coaming to allow the car to move a little further outboard. If price is no object I highly recommend investing in a windward sheeting traveller car. Very, very cool. Check the catalogues. The small one will work for the C27. It's like $250. That car with flush blocks would give you a pretty efficient system. The traveller is my primary mainsail adjustment and it needs to work well under load. That is my main consideration in choosing the car.
M
mjbliemel
Thanks Joe!
Thanks Joe for the reply. I am not afraid to do the extra holes and all of that, no big deal. I already have the support piece out and am refinishing it. I have sent two or three inquiries to Garhauer, no one has replied yet. I don't like doing business with companies that take that kind of attitude where they can't be bothered to reply to a customer inquiry. I think I will be looking at going with the Harken system after all.
Thanks Joe for the reply. I am not afraid to do the extra holes and all of that, no big deal. I already have the support piece out and am refinishing it. I have sent two or three inquiries to Garhauer, no one has replied yet. I don't like doing business with companies that take that kind of attitude where they can't be bothered to reply to a customer inquiry. I think I will be looking at going with the Harken system after all.
M
mjbliemel
Garhauer VERY slow to respond
I filled out the inquiry request form at http://www.garhauermarine.com. Not too impressed with their speediness in getting back to me. They did get back to me after 2 days,wanted to know if I had end-boom or something else. I replied. Haven't heard from them again. I am going with Harken, don't need the aggravation of dealing with a company that deals with you like that.
I filled out the inquiry request form at http://www.garhauermarine.com. Not too impressed with their speediness in getting back to me. They did get back to me after 2 days,wanted to know if I had end-boom or something else. I replied. Haven't heard from them again. I am going with Harken, don't need the aggravation of dealing with a company that deals with you like that.
B
Bob Camarena
Call Garhauer
I don't know about e-mail, but my experience with Garhauer is that one phone call should take care of everything.
I don't know about e-mail, but my experience with Garhauer is that one phone call should take care of everything.
L
Leighton
Call them
Why wait for email? They may be getting a lot of inquiries they can't keep up, call them. I find that a lot of companies (WM included) still don't respond fast enough by emails that the old fashion "phone call" works wonders.
Why wait for email? They may be getting a lot of inquiries they can't keep up, call them. I find that a lot of companies (WM included) still don't respond fast enough by emails that the old fashion "phone call" works wonders.
M
mjbliemel
pyacht.com
Found the Harken traveler system I wanted at pyacht.com at a very good price. Delivery is today. I got the windward sheeting car #2746, track, etc. Yes, I could have called Garhauer, but in this day and age, if a company cannot respond in a timely manner to customer emails, they aren't getting my business. The Harken system ended up costing me only about $80 more than the Garhauer would have cost, so I am happy I went the way I did after all.
Found the Harken traveler system I wanted at pyacht.com at a very good price. Delivery is today. I got the windward sheeting car #2746, track, etc. Yes, I could have called Garhauer, but in this day and age, if a company cannot respond in a timely manner to customer emails, they aren't getting my business. The Harken system ended up costing me only about $80 more than the Garhauer would have cost, so I am happy I went the way I did after all.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.