I lost my main traveler on my Nacra 5.2 the other day (10/5/11. It blew apart while going to weather. Yes, the mainsheet through it to the rear fairlead held the blocks down enough to sail back, but without any way to travel out. So I am looking for a replacement traveler assembly, and possibly the traveler track. My track isn’t too bad, and where the blocks were when it blew (about 4” out) is a little nicked up on the top, (but show more nicks further out from old age too) the underside of the lip is pretty smooth. I would guess the bearing’s ride under the lip, so I’m not sure about the need to replace my track. (thoughts?)
My 1984 boat had a Harken assembly, and I seem to remember that Harken offered a lifetime warranty on its hardware; can anyone shed light on this? Well, if that is not an option, I guess I’m still looking for a cheaper alternative than a new Harken 1250 from Murray’s for $200 plus shipping. I might even go for a used Schaefer car (older style) if it fits the same track.
Thanks in advance to any leads and/or info.
Bob – Syracuse, NY
Harken is pretty much your only choice there. You might want to try calling them.
I don't know about a lifetime warranty but Harken does have great support. What failed on the traveler? Can you just repair it? Bearings are regular replacement items and the hardware / pins that hold everything together can be rebuilt/replaced without having to replace the whole thing. Older Nacras had a separate Harken t-track screwed/riveted to the rear beam. Later Nacras (86 and on?) have the track extruded into the aluminum rear beam so it's not replaceable.
If you just need bearings, you can get torlon bearings at industrial supply places like
www.mcmaster.comLoading bearings into the older non-captive ball cars is tricky and there is a special plastic loading tool for that...or you can use something water soluable like KY jelly to load the bearings and keep them in place while you slide the car onto the track.
Jake
