Our new traveler

After years of putting up with our squeaky traveler that didn’t like to travel, we decided we should upgrade to Garhauer, affectionately known as “boat jewelry.”

Before we could install a new traveler, the great task ahead was to remove the original so that a new one with matching through-bolt holes could be manufactured. After a few days over the course of a few months in which we tried all the tools we had to get the 8” bolts out of the traveler and deck, we realized we didn’t have the right tools to dislodge the bent bolts. David Santangelo came with grinders and crowbars to do the job. I guess brute strength works if finesse takes too long.

Garhauer made a beautiful new traveler and delivered it to Rhiannon. We were all set to install it, which required that we remove pieces carefully. Just as the cockpit filled with ball bearings we saw that red warning sticker not to remove the center slider. David took the traveler back, adjusted the size of the holes so our bolts would fit more easily and returned it for a second try.

While we’re sure the holes fit those of the previous traveler, they didn’t quite fit the wood it was mounted to. Undaunted, we went to our neighborhood hardware store for an extra long drill bit and forged ahead with the adage that all ills could be covered with properly applied caulking.

We got the track onto the boat with minimal trouble. When we went to reassemble the end caps, we realized that the holes for the line wheels were a smaller diameter than the other track holes. We removed the wheels to see if we could enlarge them and through-bolt the ends of the track in place when we heard the familiar sound of ball bearings rolling across the deck. We reassembled the pieces by flashlight and even though there were left over bearings, the traveler seemed to work.

The proof was in our sail to Catalina this weekend. Nightmares about ball bearings aside, she worked like a champ, gliding effortlessly and without a squeak. I’m sure we’ll get replacement wheels so we can finish off the project!