Top 15
Genoa Traveler Q & A A good genoa lead system will make you faster around the course or on your journey. A ball bearing system is usually the best solution. Cars roll smoothly even while loaded and pinstop hole spacing doesn't matter; you can fine-tune cars to any position on the track. While T-track systems are not as smooth or adjustable as ball bearing cars, they're sometimes appropriate for racers and cruisers for the #3 genoa on many boats. Harken offers two types of cars for T-track applications.
Why should I use ball bearing genoa lead cars?
Ball bearing genoa lead cars with multipart purchases allow cruisers to adjust loaded headsail leads from the cockpit after headsail trim or after reefing with a roller furler. Racers can quickly change the sheeting angle to change the sail twist with ball bearing lead cars. Trimming is easier and more precise.
How do I tell whether I have Delrin or Torlon ball bearings in my traveler car?
Delrin ball bearings are white or black and are designed for small boat and other light-load applications. Torlon bearings are greenish-brown and are used in high-load cars.
What should be the Maximum Working Load (MWL) of the parts I choose?
To maintain a high safety factor, the traveler's specified Maximum Working Load must be greater than the maximum load you expect to experience. The car will be under considerable load when you move it in a strong breeze, which is when you really need the traveler to work well, so many sailors prefer to use a higher load car than what is absolutely necessary. Use the spec pages and calculators under Service in the section to determine your working loads.
What are my options if I want to keep my existing T-Track?
Replacing track can be expensive and labor intensive, and many owners don't wish to upgrade to fully adjustable genoa lead cars. Most T-track lead cars have a lot of friction because they don't have ball bearing sheaves that articulate to accommodate unfair and changing lead angles.
Harken provides two types of T-track genoa lead cars with high-load, high-performance sheaves that tilt 45 degrees to either side, swivel, and articulate fore and aft. Using a 1998 or 1998E, add an 1844 at the front end of the track to create a 2:1 tackle and enable precise positioning from the cockpit while not under load. The 1997 and 1997E incorporate a pinstop lever that can lock open during adjustment. Both sheaves will accept two 7/16" (12 mm) sheets for fast sail changes.
Harken T-track cars will fit most other T-tracks, but there are often slight variations between manufacturers. We highly recommend you determine if your equipment is compatible before upgrading. T-track shapes vary in height and top-plate thickness.
How high are the loads in my genoa system?
Use the spec pages under Service in the Traveler section and the Genoa System Loading Calculator to determine the loads on your boat. The typical control line load you need to pull is about 30% of the lead car load when the car deflects the line 45 degrees and 50% when deflected 60 degrees.
BALL BEARING TRACK & T-TRACK
Will non-CB cars fit my CB (Captive Ball) track?
Yes, non-CB cars will work on both CB track and non-CB track.
What track sizes and hole spacings are available?
Small Boat Low-Beam CB Track:
Metric: 2720, 2725
Variable Hole Spacing Track for any spacing: 2721
Retrofit 4.00" Hole Spacing Track: 373, 374
Midrange CB Track:
Metric: 1616, 1617
Variable Hole Spacing Track for any spacing: 1618 high-beam, contact Harken for 1610 low-beam Retrofit 4.00" Hole Spacing Track: 1602
Big Boat CB Track:
Metric: 3154, 3155, 3162
Variable Hole Spacing Track for any spacing: 3156 high-beam, contact Harken for 1610 low-beam
Retrofit 4.00" Hole Spacing Track: 3159
Can I put a ball bearing car on my T-Track?
No, ball bearings require special track to allow recirculation.. The metric 1997 and 1998 and the English 1997E and 1998E slider cars do fit most existing T-track.
Is there anything I can do if my Harken T-Track slider cars don't fit my existing T-Track?
Your track may be English instead of 32 mm metric, and it may be a simple matter of changing the slider inserts in the car body. Contact Harken Technical Service. Note: the 1997E and 1998E models already have these inserts so they accomodate 1 1/4" English track.
MAINTENANCE
How do I clean and maintain my cars and track?
Flush them frequently with freshwater. Occasionally squirt a detergent and water solution into the car's center openings and roll the car back and forth to distribute evenly. Flush the detergent out with freshwater. This maintenance is very important, particularly when the cars haven't been in use. Do not use spray-lubricant because ball bearings may skid instead of roll. Frequently inspect shackles and control block fittings for signs of fatigue. Make sure every installation includes Harken track endstops and arrange the control tackle so cars do not hit endstops under load. Be aware that using some teak cleaners and other caustic solutions can result in discoloration that is not covered under the Harken warranty. See the Harken catalog for full maintenance and warranty information.
How do I take my classic non-CB traveler car off the track without losing the balls?
To prevent the balls from spilling out, use the blue car loader that came with the car. If misplaced, contact Technical or Customer Service and we'll send you a car loader as soon as possible. You can determine if you need a Small Boat, Midrange, or Big Boat loader by measuring the width of the track across the top; Small Boat is 7/8" (22 mm), Midrange is 1 1/16" (27 mm), and Big Boat is 1 1/4" (32 mm) wide.
CONTROLS & PURCHASE
How do I adjust my trim angle to improve boat speed?
Adjust your genoa car so the trim angle bisects luff length. This improves boat speed and vastly prolongs sail life by reducing leech flutter.
Are there other ways to increase effective traveler purchase?
Three things reduce effective traveler purchase by adding friction.
First, If you don't use a car and traveler control line blocks with free-rolling ball bearing sheaves or very low-friction bushings, you will need a larger purchase than normal to overcome friction.
Second, using a line diameter that's too large for the sheave will decrease effective purchase.
Third, a poor lead to the cockpit, such as one that fouls on a cam cleat, runs between two sheaves, or chafes against the traveler beam or other hardware, will add unnecessary friction. Check for these problems before buying a bigger block for a higher mechanical purchase.
What size line should I use for my traveler controls?
Small-diameter lines create the least friction, but you'll usually want the largest diameter line the sheave is designed to accommodate. Large lines are easier to handle , but check the block's “Max line Ø” spec to make sure you're not adding too much friction.
How do I adjust my trim angle to improve boat speed?
Adjust your genoa car so the trim angle bisects luff length. This improves boat speed and vastly prolongs sail life by reducing leech flutter.
