The original Hobie 18 Traveler was equipped with a Ball and a Slider where it runs in the track of the rear crossbar. Years ago, it was easy to buy just the balls and replace the worn out ball and the darn near useless slider with two balls and make the traveler car actually ..... travel. (what a concept)

Over the years, the balls became harder and harder to find. A few years back the only way to get the ball was to buy two "sets" (ball and slider), use the balls and throw the sliders in the toolbox to rattle around doing what they did on the boat, be useless.

Recently, I noticed in the Hobie catalogue that the only thing you can buy from Hobie is a pair of sliders.... that really don't, not very well anyway.

I had 3 sets left, and rebuilt my traveler for the Nationals using two of the balls. Then, with the very last brand new one I knew to be in existence went in search of a machine shop that could make me an exact copy.
Today I took delivery on the first dozen and I have got to say that I am totally pleased with their efforts. Once I mixed the new original in with the new replacements I cannot pick out the original.

Now, if you are not happy with the way the traveler on your Hobie 18 "travel's" I have a great solution at a very reasonable price. I'm selling these new replacement balls for $11.95 a Pair plus 3.95 shipping and handling.

I'm not going to get rich doing this guys, I'm really just trying to cover the cost of setup and machine work.

I have pictures if you would like to see them, and I am offering a satisfaction guarantee. Please E-Mail me if you have any questions or comments.

Stephen Cooley
Hobie 18

I have one new ball available as a reference also. As a former Tool & Die maker I have thought about making some myself but........... at that price for a pair I can't take the time to fuss with it. Just curious, what material are they made from?

The New replacements are made of Delrin, just as the original ones.
The superior performance characteristics of Delrin include but are not limited to:
Delrin's resistance to liquids and low coefficient of friction have also made it useful as a bearing-replacement, to be selected in cases where corrosive environments make a traditional roller or ball bearing impractical.
Its low cost, adequate strength, light weight and self lubricating properties make it ideal.
Nylon-based products such as Nylatron do not have good moisture-resistance, and are therefore not suitable to high-humidity or underwater applications.