Travelers, Tracks and Genoa Cars: Which Collection Holds the Part You Need
A sheet-lead system has three parts that must match: the track fixed to the boat, the car that runs on it, and the controls and stops that position the car. This is a parent category: it holds no products of its own and sends you to the collections below, where each part is listed. Start with the track you already have, because a car is made for its maker's track profile, then pick the car for the sheet it carries (mainsheet, genoa sheet or self-tacking jib), then the stops and controls.
Cars: Mainsheet, Genoa and Self-Tacking Jib
- Mainsail traveler cars: the cars that carry the mainsheet block across the traveler track, from Harken (track sizes from 13 mm Micro to 42 mm), Lewmar (Size 0 to 3), Ronstan (Series 14 to 55) and Antal (4Race and 4Race Maxi). Includes windward sheeting cars and traveler kits.
- Genoa cars: headsail lead cars for tracks from 22 to 40 mm, from Harken (sliders with pinstop and adjustable cars with 2:1 to 4:1 sheaves), Lewmar, Ronstan (T-Track slides and slide-rod cars), Antal, Barton Marine (including towable cars with a 2:1 purchase) and Schaefer. See when you need a towable genoa car.
- Lewmar genoa cars: Size 0 to 3 TB cars, Ocean T-Track cars with plunger, and complete track kits, grouped in one place for owners renewing a Lewmar system.
- Jib self-tacking cars: the Harken Crossbow system, Harken end-control cars, Ronstan Series 19 cars and Antal jib boards, for boats that tack the jib without releasing a sheet.
- Dinghy jib leads: four Harken small-boat jib leads and sliders.
Tracks and Parts That Go With Them
- Tracks: aluminium track in lengths from about 0.3 m (1 ft) to 6 m (19.7 ft) depending on the maker. Harken titles state the width (13, 16, 22, 27, 32, 42 and 64 mm, low-beam or high-beam), Ronstan sells by series (14, 19, 22, 25, 26, 30, 32, 42 and 55), Lewmar by size (0 to 3, plus 32 mm T-Track) and Antal as T-Track and 4Race track.
- End controls: the fittings at each end of a traveler track that hold the control lines, such as Harken ESP end controls (single or double sheave, cam cleat, dead end), Ronstan Series 25 to 42 end controls, Lewmar end stops with control-line sheaves and Antal end fittings.
- End stops and caps: stops that keep a car on the track: Harken low-beam, high-beam and line-shedding end stops, Lewmar end stops with buffer kits, Ronstan end caps and plugs, and Barton and Schaefer stops for 25 and 32 mm T-Track. Our end stop guide explains which one your track takes.
- Ball bearings: replacement Delrin and Torlon balls for Harken cars (4.0 to 9.5 mm) and Lewmar cars (Size 1 to 3).
- Traveler and track accessories: car loaders, rebuild kits, track joiners and splice links, toggles, couplers, beckets and Ronstan sliderods.
- Line drivers: Harken FlatWinder powered blocks and Antal line drivers (manual and electric), for powered sheet and control-line handling.
How to Choose
- Track first. Measure the width of your track, or read the part number on the old car. Harken gives the track width in the car title, Ronstan the series, Lewmar the size. The genoa car and track guide walks through it.
- Then the job of the car. A traveler car is built for the mainsheet load and the control-line purchase (how to choose a mainsheet traveler system); a genoa car moves the headsail lead fore and aft (how to adjust genoa lead cars).
- Then the ends. A traveler needs end controls or stops on both ends to set the car; a genoa track needs end stops. Buy the ones listed for your track width or series.
- Replacing one part or the system. If the track is sound, a new car, loader or set of balls may be all you need. If the track is worn or the wrong size, choose the whole set from one maker so the car, track and stops are designed to fit.
Who It's For
Cruisers refitting a worn mainsheet traveler or genoa lead system, racers changing the purchase or adding windward sheeting, and dinghy and small-boat sailors fitting self-tacking jibs or jib leads. If you know the maker of your track, go straight to the car, stop or control collection above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a traveler car and a genoa car?
A traveler car runs on the mainsheet traveler track and carries the mainsheet block, so you can set the boom above or below the centerline. A genoa car runs on a track along the deck and carries the headsail sheet lead; moving it changes the lead angle. The tracks and many parts are shared, but the cars are built for different loads and different controls.
How do I find the right track size?
Measure the width of the track, or read the maker and part number off the old car. Harken lists the track width in the title (for example 27 mm or 32 mm), Ronstan lists the series and Lewmar the size. Cars are made for their own maker's track profile, so check the listing before mixing makers. Our guide to choosing a genoa car and track covers it.
Do I need a ball-bearing car?
Ball-bearing cars roll on balls, which is why the mainsheet traveler cars in this range are ball-bearing: they carry the mainsheet load. Slider cars slide on the track and are common for genoa leads. If your car has balls, the replacement balls are in the ball bearings collection above.
What are end controls and end stops?
End stops stop the car at the end of the track. End controls do that and also carry the control lines (sheaves, cam cleats or a dead end) used to move the car along a traveler. Harken calls its versions ESP end controls; Lewmar and Ronstan list theirs by size or series.
Can I mix a car from one maker with a track from another?
Not unless the listing says it fits. A car is made to match its maker's track profile and size, so choose the car and track from the same maker unless you have confirmed the fit. If you are unsure, compare the track width and series on the listing with your old part.