Nacra 5.0 Main Traveler Conversion

The main traveler on my 1983 Nacra 5.0 is a Ronstan 360 (swivel cleat mounted to the car).

http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=127143&g2_serialNumber=4

As most all of these mine too has been bent and straightened a few times. Additionally I find it harder to use than a stationary centered swivel cleat arrangement like a Hobie 16 setup. My understanding is that some of the legacy Nacra's had a centered arrangement and I found a bracket that adapts the rear crossbar to such.

http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=127146&g2_serialNumber=4

Anyone know which Nacra came with this centered arrangement and do you have any photos? Also would like a photos the traveler car that it uses.

Thanks in advance.

--
Hobie 16 (3 formerly)
MacGregor 25 (formerly)
Chrysler Dagger 14 (formerly)
NACRA 5.0 (currently)
High Point, NC
--
I did the same on my N5.0 because the swivel plate broke. I found a Ronstan traveler similar to this one
http://img.nauticexpo.com/images_ne/photo-mg/21479-230167.jpg
There were two models very similar but with different wheel size, I got the wrong one and had to go back for the other. Many Nacras had that bracket on your picture, which the same I used too. My current boat is a N5.5 with this setup, but with Harken traveler, with different track profile
I didn't really notice a relevant improvement, the other setup worked just as well in my experience. Both have the same 2:1 purchase, even if it doesn't look like.



Edited by Andinista on Mar 25, 2017 - 12:58 PM.
The early Nacras used the top photo system. I'm not exactly sure what year they changed, but the late '70s
N5.2 used the top photo.
I think it may have been all the boats that originally came with 1.25" mast ball, & the thinner DS rod. My '84 5.7 & the '88 5.0 both have the bottom photo system.
If you have the fitting,I'm sure I have an extra) it might be possible to change out. You would have to drill out the SS rivets,(unless it is a small bolt?) to separate the original traveler parts, & remove the swivel cleat. You would then have to re-connect the car with the top part that the main block hooks onto. You cannot use an AL rivet there. AL is fine for mounting the fitting to the bar, that is what OE used. All that assumes your car/track is in good condition, you can't swap a Harken small boat car onto that track.
QuoteAnyone know which Nacra came with this centered arrangement and do you have any photos? Also would like a photos the traveler car that it uses.

This is the setup when they went to the 1.5" ball, at least '84 & beyond. the photo is a 5.7, the only difference the 5.0 uses a shorter Harken car.
http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=74454&g2_serialNumber=7

--
Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
--
I had to buy the center mount bracket and cleat from Murrays to convert mine. I got the 6 roller ronstan car rather than the 4 roller car. The reason that I converted was because I had crushed the bearings on the original car. The more bearings on the 6 roller car worked well
Thanks to all for your replies. Thanks Ed for your generous offer.

I didn't know that the centered arrangement was so widespread. I had to really dig to find the adapter bracket.

Andinista I found a Ronstan traveler similar to this one


Here is the car and it appears to be exactly what I need:

http://www.mauripro.com/us/product/RONRC61910.html

Here is the adapter bracket and part number:

http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=127153&g2_serialNumber=3

AndinistaI didn't really notice a relevant improvement, the other setup worked just as well in my experience.


For me the problem with the original arrangement is two fold. The cleat is much further from you so it's more difficult to get angle on for cleating/un-cleating. Second, with wear at the swivel plate the angle issue gets even worse. And lastly, I don't know how many more times the thing can stand being bent before I hear the coat hanger "clink" sound and have two pieces instead of one.

--
Hobie 16 (3 formerly)
MacGregor 25 (formerly)
Chrysler Dagger 14 (formerly)
NACRA 5.0 (currently)
High Point, NC
--
Edchris177This is the setup when they went to the 1.5" ball, at least '84 & beyond. the photo is a 5.7, the only difference the 5.0 uses a shorter Harken car.


Ed, what is the dimension from the bottom of the track to the top of the adapter bracket?

http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=127156&g2_serialNumber=3

--
Hobie 16 (3 formerly)
MacGregor 25 (formerly)
Chrysler Dagger 14 (formerly)
NACRA 5.0 (currently)
High Point, NC
--
this is the 5.7, but the beams are the same, so mounting should be the same. It's not great perspective, if you look straight down, from the track, the measurement is more like 1 1/2".
The important thing is to mount the bracket so the flat surface of the bracket is 90* (perpendicular)to the top of the traveler track.
http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=127158&g2_serialNumber=4



Edited by Edchris177 on Mar 26, 2017 - 02:21 PM.

--
Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
--
My conversion has become a reality, PTL:

https://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=128225&g2_serialNumber=4

I went with the Ronstan 6 wheel car and a bracket/cleat setup the folks at Brisbane Catamaran Centre offered.

https://www.ronstan.com/marine/product.asp?ProdNo=RC61912

These folks were very helpful and have many parts I don't find offered in the US, including crossbar end caps. I found them on a Facebook page devoted to the Nacra 5.0 and these folks REALLY speak 5.0.

http://www.briscatamaran.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1090909267683321/

--
Hobie 16 (3 formerly)
MacGregor 25 (formerly)
Chrysler Dagger 14 (formerly)
NACRA 5.0 (currently)
High Point, NC
--