J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Harken spinnaker car track to deck

I understand this may not be allowed for OD, but I'd like to add it.
Has anyone added Harken track to the front of the mast?
The current track has a wide base that is pop-riveted on either side for the full length. I'm concerned that if I pull the standard track off, and then drill new holes every 4" for the harken track up the middle, that the mast will look like swiss cheese and be substantially weakened.
Anyone with any ideas? Maybe the Harken track could be tapped on top of the current track.

i try to keep my mast as pristine and untouched as possible. No way I would drill more holes into it ... whats wrong with the current track ?

Thor

I want the track to go down to the deck and be on a roller car so the pole can be hooked up all the time.

In 1998 I did exactly what you propose. Replaced the existing track with a 10-ft section of Harken ball bearing track extending down to just above the deck. I figured (unscientifically) that the track added enough stiffness to make up for the extra holes. Never had any problems with the track or mast.

Thanks Jim, Did you use the small boat Harken car, or the mid-range Harken car?

Peter, I used the Harken 781 mid-range/ring car with Harken 1510 low profile track (which I notice is no longer in the Harken catalog).

Jim Ingles, Rosebud, No. 201

jim ,peter ,
if you still have them
i am would like to buy your old tracks
paul.battin@gerbercoburn.com