I have one of those Harken loaders, because I just replaced my car, which broke during the ditch run, You are welcome to use it. The track needs to be removed if you use the loader, the fiddling options may work as well, just plug the drain holes at the end of the cockpit. W.

:: We had problems pulling the washers into the glass/core
:: under the deck. I highly suggest using some type of
:: backing plate. We use a high density plastic sheeting
:: material that seems to be working. The thought was to
:: use something strong and light, but with a little bit of
:: flex so we wouldn't point load the edges of the backing
:: plate.
::
:: I just purchased new Torlon Ball Bearings for our car.
:: It's scheduled as my Father's Day project. Since it's
:: the older style, I called Harken and they said it's
:: tedius, but the balls can be replaced with the car still
:: on the track -- open one end, heel the boat towards the
:: other and one by one load the balls. I've been told the
:: last couple you can use a dab of shaving cream to hold
:: them in place while you re-attach the end cap. Also told
:: to make sure to have a bucket underneath to catch the
:: ones you drop.
::
:: Good luck.
::
:: :: The traveler should be through-bolted. The bolts should
:: :: pass through the wood and have nuts & washers on the
:: :: inside of the boat. This whole system takes quite a bit
:: :: of load...
:: ::
:: :: Unfortunately, removing & reinstalling the traveler is a
:: :: bit of a job and may require two people. Plus, the
:: :: screws through the seats go through balsa-cored deck and
:: :: should be sealed well when re-installed.
:: ::
:: :: It is much easier to replace the bearings if you have a
:: :: plastic bearing loader from Harken. These come with the
:: :: travelers when they are new. Otherwise, folks use
:: :: shaving cream to hold the bearings in place while you
:: :: stuff them in, and wash it out after full assembly.
:: ::
:: :: Good luck,

:: :: --brendan

:: ::
:: :: :: I have a windward sheet traveler and it appears that it
:: :: :: is starting to lose the ball bearings. Lots of sloppy
:: :: :: play and I can see the top cleats are losing the bearing
:: :: :: also.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: I want to repair or replace it. My question is .. Are
:: :: :: the screws / bolts supporting this driller through the
:: :: :: deck or is it just in the wood? Just trying to find out
:: :: :: before I remove the track to remove the car.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: thanks,
:: ::
:: :: :: Don