Lewmar Traveller

Shortman · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2009

I am thinking of replacing my OEM Schaefer traveller on my 1985 Pearson 34 with a Harken or Lewmar. The Lewmar looks good, a little less $$. My two experiences with Lewmar have been a little troubling. 3 years ago installed some rope clutches that needed removal & replacement because did not quite work right. 2 years ago installed a folding wheel & the hub had to be replaced because it was so poorly machined. In both cases Lewmar was very good about replacement and I am very pleased with the products in service. But, the initial quality was off.
Any experience with Lewmar travellers, Size 2?

scottyt · #2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2009

shortman if you can please post a pic of the travler on your boat with a measurement of total width please ? i have been thinking about adding a traveler and might make you an offer on your old one when/if you change it out.
just a pic and a number if you have it, i will take a sailing pic of it if you dont want to go take a pic just for me

thanks

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2009

Most likely either will be a good upgrade from what you're using now.... Our experience is you can't go wrong with Harken, but admittedly there's a price premium.
Plenty of folks hereabouts speak highly of Garhauer - from a price and quality perspective. Maybe check them out too.

T37Chef · #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2009

Garhauer: Garhauer Marine Hardware -8552650

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009

I'd recommend looking at Garhauer. When I spoke with Schaeffer and Lewmar concerning the problems with mounting a traveler on my boat, neither was very helpful. When I spoke to Garhauer and Harken, they spent a couple hours each going over the possible options with me. For the amount of money you're going to be spending on a traveller, go with someone who will help support you through the selection and installation process. I'm probably going with Garhauer, since they're a good deal less expensive than Harken... but haven't fully decided yet.

orient · #6 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009

I can't say enough about Harken. Last summer I had a problem with my outhaul car. Contacted Harken and they asked for pictures. Within one week they designed a fix and shipped it to me. They didn't charge because they wanted to see if it would solve the problem. It worked great and I no longer have any problems. Great company. Also, all manufacturing except for winches is done in Wisconsin.

padean · #7 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by T37Chef

Garhauer: Garhauer Marine Hardware -8552650

Second this. Just purchased a Garhauer Traveler for m boat, and they went out of their way to help. Drilled the new track to fit my holes, and the quality seems great. The only drawback is that it is a little larger and heavier than some of the Harken travelers (if a couple of pounds make a difference and your are racing that nice Pearson 34). Nothing against Lewmar or Harken, though. Just loved the price and the quality.

zz4gta · #8 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009

I'm a big fan of harken. Lightweight, strong, very helpful over the phone when I called. When I told them I bought a length of track from WM and didn't get the rectangular washers that it was supposed to come with, they said no problem, we'll mail some out to you. No charge.

Garhauer has also been very friendly to me. They make heavy duty products that look nice, however I do have a fiddle block that is getting some surface rust on it. Not sure why or how, but it is. Garhauer is also pretty heavy, and on my boat, that makes a difference.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

imagine2frolic · #9 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009

My 1972 Columbia had a SS track, and a SS car. I replaced it with a Harken ballbearing car, and my life changed drastically for the better. No experience with the others, but I would buy Harken again......i2f

PorFin · #10 (**permalink**) 03-16-2009

Garhauer's making my new traveler as we speak (OK maybe not actually making it, but it's in the works.) I'm getting great support from them.

This "simple" project turned out to be a lot more involved than expected, since I had to make a new teak traveler bridge. Because there are four mounting bolts for the bridge that run through the deck, a standard 4" spacing for the track screws won't exactly fit. No problem -- I sent Garhauer a diagram of the bridge, and they are going to drill the track holes exactly were I need them. And they are going to curve the track to match exactly the curve of the bridge.

One thing to consider -- Guido (he's the Garhauer traveler guru) said they're running about four weeks from order to delivery. Not sure if that applies for a non-special orders, though.

Once it all arrives and I get the whole thing done I'll post pics.