Mainsheet track

I have the first 370e (#164) that was equipped exclusively with Lewmar deck gear and which we launched 2 months ago in Auckland, New Zealand.
I noticed pretty quickly that the mainsheet track bent alarmingly (up to 12mm) when under pressure. We always have the traveller right down by 10kn true, but in light airs and even at anchor we had a lot of flexing. Obviously this would work- harden the fastening bolts over time and could result in a catastrophic failure.
I talked with the local Hanse agent, and Lewmar have now decided to replace this item at no cost. A much heavier track was airfreighted out and fitted this week. The new track is 45mm higher than before, so if you have a spray dodger, this needs to be modified to allow a fair lead for the traveller car adjustment lines. 
Anyone with this track should talk to their agent and get the traveller modified. I think Hanse are now specifying the heavier unit, so it should not be an issue on boats currently in build.
Hanse and Lewmar deserve a pat on the back for sorting this out so promptly.
Cheers
Hawkeye

Thanks for the info.

Dan,

I am surprised to hear that a mainsheet track as short as the one on the coach roof would bend. It's a good thing they will replace it. Hawkeye, do you have any photos?

Ed, do you have your track in the cockpit?

Johan

Hi everyone,
1)Essentially Lewmar have mounted the existing track onto a second much deeper extrusion. The ends are covered with very tidy blanking plates. I do not have part numbers, but the Lewmar agent is sending me a diagram of the fix which I will post when it arrives.   Hull #163 which launched here at the same time as me still had a Harken mainsheet track which is a little deeper and does not flex  very much.
I am very comfortable with the Lewmar modification which I believe to be superior to either of the original tracks.

2)I have no knowledge of the system on the 342 and cannot comment. My  warning relates only to coach roof mounted Lewmar tracks on the 370.

3)We will be away cruising for 4 days over Easter (Autumn down here). I will try to take some photos and post later-if I can work out how!.

4) I don't think anyone should panic  and feel they can't go sailing. We have done 360 nm in the 2 months since launching in apparent winds up to 25kn  carrying full sail, so the track is unlikely to break.
The concern is that with only two bolts screwed into plates moulded into the deck, there would be flexing  of the bolts causing them to become brittle at the point where they emerge from the plate. Eventually they would probably fail.
The main thing is to get onto your agent and get the free fix done prior to your next cruising season.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Hawkeye