Hobie Cat Forums

Replace the traveler bearings if one of the two following conditions are met

1. You have excessive play in the traveler
2. The travler does not slide freely even when the track is clean and lubricated.

Often you will find if one of the above statements is true, so is the other.

_________________
PHRF is measure in seconds, skill is measured in minutes

John Eaton of Kansas said his bearings were 1/2" diameter. My vernier caliper, (which is tricky to use,) game me a measurement on my brand new ball and slug of about 18.2 mm. Like the rest of the world (other than the USA,) we are metric. That translates to 0.7125". Are these the defined tolerances?

I tried to mount the traveller car last week, but it looks like I will have to unbolt or loosed the crossbar to allow for enough clearance to get the car in. Is there a trick?

Can't wait for Xmas break and our trip to Florida. Time to visit that rental guy in Pompano. Happy Holidays all.

_________________
1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

John,

Thanks for sharing the measurements. This is a significant difference. I'm now motivated to measure our crossbar track.

Matt M,

When can we expect the verdict on the 600 in stock? Will a new batch be available over the Winter? Or, should we search for what we need from dealer/s' stock?

_________________
hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

We are trying to see if we can modify the existing stock of parts. They are all too large, but within tolerances on the original blue prints.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

After much thought, I decided to use the dremel to open the gate in the end of the crossbar to accept the larger slugs. It took less than 30 seconds to open it up slightly. As we expected the larger slugs do fit into the track. The scarry thing is, with the larger slugs, and therefor tighter fit, the travler works better than my previous 18 when it had new slugs. If you want my honest opinion, the slugs are made right, it is the crossbar that is wrong. I say keep supplying the larger slugs with instructions to modify the entrance of the rear crossmember.

Collin

_________________
PHRF is measure in seconds, skill is measured in minutes

I think we've said this before, but I would second the motion. Matt would probably concur it'll be difficult for Hobie to sell something that doesn't slip right in like the originals.

In regards to Collins report of the fit and operation of the "oversized", and knowing how loose our originals are, I'd personnaly like to try two sets. I would take responsibility for modification of my own boat, in case I screw it up although I'm not going to hold my breath.

Any dealers wan't to sell some of the "defective" H18 traveller bearings?, please reply.

_________________
hobiejohn at earthlink dot net
Fleet 297

I would also like to try a set of oversized bearings. No warranty or return can be stated.

As a former Tool & Die guy I can modify the slug (if it dosn't fit) but haven't quite figured out how to reduce the ball diameter. (Not that I've given it much thought).

Any dealers have some oversized bearing sets??

_________________
DVL 1989 H-18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

If you go buy a set of bearings from a dealer, unless it is old, it is probably the larger ones. I got mine from Murray's. I would buy more but I am hoping to take delivery of a new Tiger the spring. Maybe, Hobie can sell both sizes. If I understand correctly they have six hundred of the larger ones and are looking into modifing those down to the smaller one. I say make a new part number and only change half. You can always change more later.

_________________
PHRF is measure in seconds, skill is measured in minutes

Found my traveler slug & ball. Measuring with my dial caliper (micrometer is at work) the ball measures .712 to .718 in. The slug measures .700 to .712 in. This is after two seasons or about a dozen days sailing.

Looks to me like its time for a new set given the .006 & .012 difference.