Harken traveler track is curved so it follows your boat's geometry rather than running dead straight, and the bend you need depends on the plane the track must follow: a vertical bend (ends down or ends up) for the crown of a cabin top, a horizontal bend for the sweep of the boom, or a compound bend that combines both. Once you know the plane, size the curve as a simple, major or compound bend to find the correct Harken part number.
Just as important as the bend is matching the traveler car to the track radius. Each Harken car lists a minimum radius it can ride; if your load calls for a long car but the radius is too tight, join two short cars with a coupler rather than forcing a single long car onto a tight curve.
Harken track bend types at a glance
| Bend type | Plane | Typical use | Follows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical — ends down | Vertical | Mainsheet traveler over the cabin house | Crown of the cabin house; clears companionway hatch |
| Vertical — ends up | Vertical | Relieving leech tension off centerline; staysails | Track angled forward, mounted on risers |
| Horizontal | Horizontal | Traveler that follows the boom's swing; boom vangs | Radius of the boom, ends curving fore or aft |
| Compound | Both | Boom-radius traveler on a crowned deck | Horizontal and vertical curve combined |
What are Harken curved traveler tracks?
A Harken curved track is a traveler track that has been bent — either at installation or made to specification by Harken — so it follows a boat's geometry instead of running dead straight. Sometimes the track is bent vertically, ends up, to relieve tension on the sail's leech as the traveler car moves off the boat's centerline. The goal is always the same: keep the car aligned and loaded correctly through its full travel.
Minor bends can often be made when the track is installed. If the track requires more bend, Harken can provide horizontal, vertical or compound curves to specification for a modest charge. Two rules matter before you order. First, if the bend is continuous, add 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches) to each end, because track cannot be bent all the way to its ends. Second, standard Harken Mini-Maxi and Maxi traveler cars cannot ride on vertical bends with a radius under about 15/25 m (roughly 50 ft) — confirm the minimum radius on your car's spec chart before committing to a curve.
What are the four Harken track bend types?
Harken curved tracks fall into four bend types. Choosing correctly starts with one question: which plane does your track need to follow — the vertical crown of the deck, the horizontal sweep of the boom, or both?
Vertical bend, ends down is used for mainsheet travelers mounted over the cabin house. The curve matches the crown of the cabin house and lets the track clear the companionway hatch while minimizing riser height. Vertical bend, ends up relieves leech tension as the car moves off centerline and is also used for staysails, with tracks angled forward to face the clew and mounted on risers. Horizontal bends let the traveler follow the radius of the boom as it swings across the boat; the track stays flat and the ends curve toward bow or stern, and this bend is sometimes used for boom vangs and boomed staysails. A compound bend combines a vertical and a horizontal bend — for example, a track that curves horizontally to follow the boom's radius while mounting to a deck with a slight crown.
How do I choose the right bend size for my boat?
Once you know the plane, the next decision is the size class of the bend, which Harken splits into simple, major and compound. This determines the correct part number and whether the curve can be made at installation or must be ordered to specification.
- Simple bend — track length of 2 m (6'6-3/4") or less, and chord depth less than 200 mm (8").
- Major bend — track length of 2.1 m (6'10-11/16") or greater, or chord depth of 200 mm (8") or greater.
- Compound bend — a bend in both the horizontal and vertical planes.
- Compound simple bend — both bends are simple bends.
- Compound major bend — one or both bends are major bends.
The chord depth is the distance between a straight line across the ends of the track and the deepest point of the curve — measure it before ordering, because it is what separates a simple bend from a major bend. If the required radius is tighter than your chosen traveler car can ride, use two short cars joined by a coupler rather than forcing a single long car onto a tight curve.
Which Harken bend part number do I need by track size?
Use the chart below to find the correct bend reference for your Harken track size. Match your track (left column) to the bend type you need. A dash (–) means that bend is not offered for that track size.
| Track | Simple Bend | Major Bend | Compound: Simple | Compound: Major |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 mm Micro CB Track (2707) | 485 | 486 | – | – |
| 13 mm Micro CB Track (2709) | 487 | 488 | – | – |
| 22 mm Small Boat CB Track (373 / 374 / 2720 / 2721 / 2725 / 2751) | 274 | 275 | 276 | 286 |
| 27 mm Midrange CB Retrofit Track (1602 / R27) | 1527 | 1528 | 1529 | 1581 |
| 27 mm Midrange Hi-Beam Track (R27HB) | 1530 | 1531 | 1532 | 1582 |
| 32 mm Big Boat CB Retrofit Track (R32 / 3159) | 789 | 790 | 791 | 576 |
| 32 mm Big Boat Hi-Beam Track (R32HB / 1706 Mini-Maxi) | 792 | 793 | 794 | 577 |
| 64 mm Maxi Track (661) | 795 | 795 | 795 | 795 |
Part numbers are Harken bend references for ordering a curve to specification. Not every bend is stocked for every track size, and availability changes — if you are unsure which bend and radius your boat needs, send us your track size and chord depth and our rigging team will confirm the correct part.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum radius for a Harken curved traveler track?
Standard Harken Mini-Maxi and Maxi traveler cars cannot ride on vertical bends with a radius under about 15/25 m (roughly 50 ft). Every Harken traveler car lists the minimum radius it can ride on its spec chart, so always confirm your specific car's minimum radius before ordering a curved track.
What is the difference between a simple bend and a major bend?
A simple bend is a track length of 2 m (6'6-3/4") or less with a chord depth under 200 mm (8"). A major bend is a track length of 2.1 m (6'10-11/16") or greater, or a chord depth of 200 mm (8") or greater.
Can a straight traveler car ride on a curved Harken track?
The car's length must suit the track radius, so a long car may bind on a tight radius. If your load requires a long car but the radius is too tight, join two short cars with a coupler and check the minimum radius listed for your specific traveler car first.
What is a compound bend on a traveler track?
A compound bend combines a vertical and a horizontal bend in the same track — for example, a track that curves horizontally to follow the boom's radius while mounting to a crowned deck. Harken lists these as Compound Simple (both bends simple) or Compound Major (one or both bends major).
How much extra track length do I need for a continuous bend?
For a continuous bend, add 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 inches) to each end of the track, because track cannot be bent all the way to its ends. Factor this into your length before ordering so the usable curved section covers your traveler's full range.
Should I curve the track at installation or order it to specification?
Minor bends can often be made when the track is installed, but if more bend is needed Harken can supply horizontal, vertical or compound curves made to specification for a modest charge. Send your track size and chord depth to our rigging team if you are unsure.
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