My 2005 Hunter 33 does not have deck mounted tracks which appear very common ex factory on this model. Wish to install to control genoa from helm rather then cabin top. Have installed helm winches. Has anyone retro fitted tracks and know if the area already designated on deck has any aluminium or backing plate incorporated in the hull or is internal cabin lining removal to install backing plates required. Advice much appreciated.
Track installation 2005 Hunter 33
- Thread starter lbd
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Not quite clear?? What size headsail are you looking to use? What do you use currently for sheet lead blocks? If you have a fixed block where other 33's have tracks then you can install tracks in that same location. Hunter does mold in aluminum plates into locations of various deck hardware. Mark the location of your track and drill a pilot hole. If you get aluminum fillings you've found the plate. If not you will have to install backing plates from inside the cabin. This will require drilling access holes for each bolt. I had to do this to install #3 tracks on the coach roof of my boat. Later the holes were covered with a strip of teak for cosmetic purposes.
Alan, standard installation on these boats is the tracks on top of the coach roof and winches beside the companionway. Upgrade package includes tracks on the deck and winches back beside the helm. Makes it much easier to tack.
I'm assuming they would put backing plates in as standard, but may want to check with Hunter first or drill test hole as Alan says.
You can see the std. installation on the coach roof and the upgrade on deck
I'm assuming they would put backing plates in as standard, but may want to check with Hunter first or drill test hole as Alan says.
You can see the std. installation on the coach roof and the upgrade on deck
backing plates
Check with Hunter but the backing plates should be already glassed in place. I believe they just drill and tap into these plates from the top so you may not have to pull the headliner. Worse case, the headliner is fairly easy to pull down and put back up if you need to get under there to install washers and lock nuts.
Check with Hunter but the backing plates should be already glassed in place. I believe they just drill and tap into these plates from the top so you may not have to pull the headliner. Worse case, the headliner is fairly easy to pull down and put back up if you need to get under there to install washers and lock nuts.
I faced the reverse situation on my boat. It came with deck mounted tracks directly behind the chainplates for a big #1 and #2 headsail. I needed tracks on the coach roof for the tighter sheeting angle of my #3. There was no aluminum at that location so we thru bolted. We cut small holes in the cabin liner to install backing plates. After, we covered the holes with a thin piece of teak for cosmetic purpose.
The disadvantage of the deck mounted tracks for a smaller headsail is the increased sheeting angle which makes pointing even more difficult.
The disadvantage of the deck mounted tracks for a smaller headsail is the increased sheeting angle which makes pointing even more difficult.
To all who responded your advice much appreciated. Will carefully drill pilot holes to ascertain if backing plates already in place and post result for future reference. Thanks again all.
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