My traveller is running a bit rough on its track even after replacing the bearings and inspecting the track for divots or uneven wear which there are none.
I also tried changing the number of bearings. This did have an effect but I ended up with what was there before - 20 per side.

Any tips on getting it to run smoother?

Thanks,

Use a dry lubricant like tr-lube, or some other teflon spray. I think you could even WD-40 it i don't think that there is anything on the track that WD-40 will hurt, I used to do that on an old Hobie 14 track that was absolute trash. oh and make sure the scew heads are flush if its aq harken track. I'm sur eyou already thought of that.

Sand the track with some 180 or finer paper. Then lube it with Mclube.

David
NACRA F18 # 351

Thanks for the advice guys.
I'll give it try.

Tim,
My experience is that the traveller car race tracks in which the balls run in are gummed up. Take the balls out of the car and wash the tracks that the balls run in with warm soap and water using an old tooth brusk. Sometimes this does wonders, especially on cars where wet lubricants have been used around salt water and sand.
Bill

Try lubing up the traveler with liquid dishwashing detergent. I could never decide if it's a great lube or it just cleans all the crud out. In real light air you have to splash water on the track but you have lots of that.

The first time you apply the detergent, rinse the car and track out well with a hose. Spray water directly on the ball bearings and work the traveler back and forth. Next squirt some dish washing detergent directly on the bearings and work the traveler back and forth the full length of the track. Rinse well then apply a little more soap, work the traveler the full length of the track and now you are done. If the foam is gray or green on the first step you might want to repeat it. If your traveler foams up during a race, tell people your boat has rabies.

Seriously wet lubes like WD40 hold dirt and crud. After a couple of years the inside of your traveler will be full of black gummy stuff.

Also, check the inside of the traveler for "bad idea's from previous owners". I have seen people spray aerospace dry film lubes (they look like paint) or "Silverstone in a can" or ?. They turn into real thick, pitted black crud. I tried Sundstrand Sandoz on a traveler once. It was a very bad idea.