Mainsheet track
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 370 / 375
Forum Description: 370 / 375 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1163
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 23:50
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Mainsheet track
Posted By: hawkeye
Subject: Mainsheet track
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 12:13
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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 
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Replies:
Posted By: Fun & Function
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 12:39
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Thank you for the advise, Hawkeye!
It would be nice to know the model number of the Lewmar track they installed as a replacement. ------------- Steinar Hanse 370e #348 Oslo, Norway |
Posted By: Druid
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 12:47
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Thanks for the info. Would you expect the same issue on a 342?
Thanks Dan. ------------- Druid - 342#555 |
Posted By: lukemi
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 17:33
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I'd like to get a little more info on this problem. Since my hull is #166, I would expect it has the same complement of hardware as yours. Mine was delivered in late November of last year but I have only sailed it one time since then (to its winter berth). I did not notice any flex in the main sheet travler but then I wasn't looking. Do you have a part number of the original unit (maybe size etc) that could be used to identify the part. Since I will probably be out sailing within the next 2 weeks, I will take particular notice of this to see if I can see any flexing. Thanks for a heads up. Mike Stella Maris
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Posted By: Scorpio
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 17:58
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Dan,
I would watch out for it especially if you are having the mainsheet track in the cockpit as there is no support in the middle of the cockpit on a 342.
My MG C27 had a stainless steel tie bar from the bottom of the track to the cockpit sole which was actually really useful for clipping harness lines on to.
Scorpio has a mix of deck gear - Harken and Lewmar. The track and traveller are Harken and I haven't noticed any problem. The blocks are all Lewmar.
Ed
------------- Ed Essery Scorpio GBR 9824T Hanse 342#465 - Solent Based |
Posted By: Druid
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 18:57
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Thanks Ed.
Ours will be on the coach roof, hopefully we do not have a problem...I shall watch the situation.
Very best,
Dan. ------------- Druid - 342#555 |
Posted By: Johan Hackman
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 21:28
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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 -------------  http://www.johanhackman.se" rel="nofollow - http://www.johanhackman.se |
Posted By: Lyra
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 22:33
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Ed,
We have ordered our 342 with the mainsheet track in the cockpit but presumably it is stronger than the track used on top of the coachroof because as you point out there is less support - Hopefully!
 Cheers, Jim
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Posted By: hawkeye
Date Posted: 05 April 2007 at 03:32
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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  |
Posted By: hawkeye
Date Posted: 16 April 2007 at 09:42
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Hi all, Have sailed over Easter with no sign of flexing in the modified track. I have a pdf of the modification supplied by Lewmar, but have not been able to work out a way to post it on the forum. If anyone wants a copy, send me a private email (double click on the Hawkeye name at the top left to access this) and I will send it to you as an attachment. Cheers, John |