[C320-list] Traveler woes

[mseyler at cox.net]

The traveler is an upgrade on my to do list.  Catalina Direct has an upgrade package, and has photos to help you figure out which version you have.  The hard part will be getting the old traveler car off the track.  On my No. 232 the cam cleats for the traveler control lines are mounted underneath the track, and you can't take the car off the track without either removing the through-bolt holding the track down, or cutting off the cam cleat flush with the track.  If you're lucky, you might be able to remove the bolt.  But it's a slot-head screw on top, and hard to get enough force on it to break it loose after being in place for 25+ years on my boat.  I'm reluctant to cut off the cam cleat, but either Catalina Direct or Garhauer can sell you a package that includes new cam cleats that slide onto the track with the new car.

If you do the upgrade, please take pictures, and either post them in an album or share them off-list, as I'm going to have to do this project one of these days.  Good Luck.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality, 
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Scott Thompson
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 8:15 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Traveler woes

The traveler on my boat gives me grief. If I allow even a little slack the lines jam. I’ve replaced the lines and tried different diameters with no improvement. Plus the bearings run rough and there is no good way to flush them out. The other day I was sailing with a reef and 20+ knots apparent and the damned thing jammed during a tack so that I could not ease the traveler below centerline. 

I’m wondering about a replacement or upgrade.  I vaguely recall a past discussion about Garhauer changing the design. I have no idea whether I have the new or old version. Does anyone have useful advice for taming this situation? How do I tell which one I have?

Scott Thompson
Surprise #653, 1999