Has anyone had the experience of installing a Harken Windward sheeting car to the existing traveler on a 81 J30? If so which model is appropriate and what modifications are necssary? Thanks, Paul

I used a Harken mid-range windward sheeting car with the low profile track. The difficult part was filling the recessed part that the original traveller mounts in. I used a piece of teak to fill the space, but it needed a bunch of sanding to account for the inconsistent shape. Also, I heard you can buy Harken track with holes that match the original spacing to save some effort.

Ed Austin
Chinook

I also have an 81, #311, and installed a windward sheeting car last year. I used a Model 1575 Mid-Range car, Model 1511 Hi-Beam Track with end trim caps, and 1516 Mid-Range Traveler controls to set it up with a 4:1 ratio (all Harken). The Hi-Beam track uses bolts slides so you can match your existing bolts holes. I can't remember exactly but you use only seven bolts or so, far less than the original installation. The other thing you'll need to do is raise the track approximately 1/2" to provide adequate clearance for the travreler car. I used a 1/2" thick piece of Starboard plastic (you could use a piece of teak) under the Hi-Beam track. Not only did it raise the track it covered the unused holes. One final item, I used a continuous traveler line of 3/8" Sta-Set attaching each end to the traveler controls. You need about approximately 30'. There is a good article by Rob Van Name on the Class web site, it further explains the process. Hope this info helps!!

We purchased the med-range Harken windward sheeting "kit", I don't recall the part number. The "kit" (I think that is what they call it) includes everything but the new traveller car. The kit holes are about 1/16 off the alignment of the original equipment car, but a minor adjustment to the holes (with a tungsten-tipped drill), and it was a bolt-on item. We removend the cleats the pulleys from the old arrangement, and mounted the pulleys on the end of the existing track to give 4-1 purchase. We ahve raced the boat constantly (~50 races/yr) and the travellet hads worked flawlessly, provide it is well lubricated. One of the best upgrades we made.

John in Halifax
# 256, "Shadow"

Check the Articles of Interest in the Web Site. There is alot of good information there.

Thanks for all the info on the traveler mods. I realized after the posting that there was info on the subject right in the Articles of Interest. I like the prospect of using the Harken Kit and the original traveler car. Thanks again, Paul

Hi John, thanks for the info. Do you have to add a spacer under the original traveler track as on the complete modifications mentioned on other replies to my original question. Thanks, Paul

Our objective was to not remove the original track - so no, we did not put a spacer under the track. The car and traveller kit will clear the bridgedeck, but you do have to be careful to keep the traveller lines clear - they love to get jammed between the car and the edge of the seats.

John in Halifax