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Post by msparks378 on Dec 17, 2013 23:26:53 GMT -5
I want to replace the traveler car on my 1978 Pearson. Does anyone know of a direct replacement that will fit on the existing track? Has anyone replaced the traveler track? It appears to bend downwards by perhaps five degrees on either end.
Input is appreciated!
Michael
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Post by roverhi on Dec 18, 2013 0:52:12 GMT -5
There have been a number of traveller manufacturers come and go and designs change since your boat was built. A picture or a thorough description of what you have would make it easier to figure out if there is a solution other than replacing the whole system.
The traveler on my '69 was unidentifiable. The car was on it's last legs and stops were long gone. Changed it to a Harken midrange traveller with line control, not the windward car system. If you do replace it, get a low profile track. The high profile tracks are very stiff and won't bend to the curvature of the deck. Only way you can make them fit is taking the track to a machine shop with a template and have them bend it in a press. The low profile track will bend to the curvature of the deck as you tighten the fasteners. You know how I figured this out. Want to buy a high profile track??
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Post by msparks378 on Dec 18, 2013 0:57:10 GMT -5
Thanks - that is the key. It needs to bend to the curvature of the deck. I am looking at the Lewmar traveler system and I wrote them to find out if the track has any "give." My track is also unidentifiable and the car is serviceable but far from ideal.
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Post by roverhi on Dec 18, 2013 17:52:37 GMT -5
From the dimensions it looks like the number 2 low profile sliding bolt or drilled plunger track wouldn't be so stiff that it couldn't be drawn down to the deck camber with the mounting bolts..
FWIW, The low beam Harken track that I have has nearly identical specs. to the Lewmar #2 Drilled Plunger Track. Used 3-1 purchase tackle to move the car and it's had more than enough mechanical advantage.
Believe I got a 4' section of track. It spanned the thingypit from side to side with only a small gap at either end. If you get a similar length track and the traveller car and adjuster blocks have to be end fed, put the cars on before you bolt down the track. Didn't put the cars on because I didn't want to take a chance of mucking them up with caulk. Foung out after it was all bolted down that there wasn't enough space at the ends of the track to feed the cars on,.
The hole drilling on the Harken Track was Metric spacing as I assume the Lewmar track would be. The bolt holes didn't match up with the holes from the old track so ended up filling them with thickened epoxy before drilling new holes and installing the Harken track. If the low profile sliding bolt track will work for you, it solves the fixing bolt spacing problem.
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Post by msparks378 on Dec 18, 2013 22:59:29 GMT -5
More information - the original track on my '78 is the Nicro-Fico NF 610 Traveler and track. After a detailed examination I found the Nicro mark on one of the stops and I was able to match the description on a rigging web page. I can still source the track mounted blocks and cam cleats for line control. It isn't exactly what I wanted but it is a much less complicated solution than replacing the entire track and traveler system.
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Post by roverhi on Dec 19, 2013 17:35:44 GMT -5
Nicro Fico has been off the market for more than a decade and probably longer. Seldom see used ones or parts on Ebay. Good luck in finding the parts you need. Best bet would be to email all the consignment stores in the US. These guys are boat breakers and found me some hinges for my boat that are NLA www.massmarineparts.com |
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Post by msparks378 on Dec 19, 2013 18:01:46 GMT -5
Rig-Rite, Inc (www.rigrite.com) has replacement parts. It appears that they are either manufacturing the parts or bought a stockpile. I have requested pricing on what I need. I hope it is reasonable. We'll see.
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Post by msparks378 on Dec 21, 2013 23:50:08 GMT -5
Rig Rite wants about $550 for the cars and blocks to rig the control lines. A complete new traveller system is less. Back to the drawing board. I'm leaning towards a complete replacement again.
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Post by roverhi on Dec 22, 2013 14:27:36 GMT -5
That's more than I paid for the new Harken traveller IIRC. Had a Nicro Fico traveler on my last boat and it wash't so great when it was new. The car wheels had a lot of friction so was hard to move under load.
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