Traveler Bearing Size and Installation Technique

This is probably opening an old subject but I just purchased a set on H18 Traveler rebuild bearing “ballsâ€

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John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854

The traveler bearing replacement kit that Steve is selling were made within .005 in of the originals that were being sold by Hobie Cat. These bearings were made using a CNC lathe instead of injection molding like Hobie does with the slugs.
You shouldn't have to widen the track of your rear crossbar to insert them... if they are a little tight I would give the traveler a light tap with your palm or a rubber mallet. Once you get them in they are going to have much more slop... its just the way Hobie designed the traveler. They only work properly when they are under load and pulled to the top of the track.

As far as that other post goes, i believe they are talking about the Hobie made slugs. Our ball bearings were created in 2007 and that post was started in 2005.

Tie a stopper knot in the traveler/mainsheet line so the traveler stops before it reaches the opening in the rear crossbar. This will keep the traveler from popping out of the track opening & it will keep the traveler from slamming into the end casting.

As for installing/removing the traveler from the track, I've always just given it a good whack to pop it in or out.

sm

OK guys, for the latest and greatest discussion go to the H-18 website.

http://hobie-18.ning.com/forum/topics/t ... er-upgrade

Short review, I have a unused OEM ball & slug. The kit balls I purchased from Stephen are within 0.002" of the original. Check out the bumper discussion on ways to keep the car from falling out of the track. Stephen and Harry were sent two sets of rubber bumpers. They are checking them for form fit and function.

(Still too cold here in MI to do anything).

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1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

OK. The weather warmed up today so I test fit the “ballâ€

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John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854

Ya had a 50/50 chance of getting it right

Actually, it goes the other way. The head of the pin should be seated in the deepest of the two counterbores.

If your mind works like mine, the next question is WHY does it make a difference.

Answer: So that when installed properly, the head of the pin is completely recessed and should not be able to cut a groove in the crossbar as the travler travels.

Thanks for buying my balls

Dale's rubber baby buggy bumpers are also a perfect fit and when installed keep the traveler from slamming into the endcaps if you don't have a knot in the traveler line, and as a bonus, when you have the one installed in the starboard end of the traveler track, it prevents the traveler from unexpectedly slipping out.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

Thanks Dave ....

I got the samples from you ... but it's been too cold or snowie to try them out on the boat which is sitting in the back yard .... BRrrrrrrrrr

But the snow was melting fast today .....

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Thanks Stephen, both for the Balls and for the info. I wasn't sure which way the c-bore went. As you said, the one way ensures the pin head is completely recessed; The other way would reduce the bending load on the pin. They both make sense. Glad to know the proper installation.

Any chnage the rubber bumpers will be available? I'm assuming 3/4 inch or larger rubber round stock would work (if i know where to get some).

Thanks again. Keep 'em sailing.

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John Latimer
'79 Hobie18 - Magnum
Sail#4854

I know Stephen and if any one knows balls and or how to use them it is Stephen......... sorry just had to

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Bodhisatfa

You know what you find underneath a Snow Man ??

Snowballs !

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

Here we go,

What are the best balls to use for spinnaker use. I changed from the slug and ball to two balls which makes it slide easier, but still binds under load.

Thanks