The starboard cam cleat bearings have turned to powder. I would like to just replace the bearings instead of the entire cleat. Can I do that? If so, where could I get the new bearings? (Vancouver, BC area) I need to do it right away (before Friday.) I'm going to the Macgregor Rendevous at Bowen Island then.
PS - Its a 1992 Mac26S. I assume its the same cleat as on the 26X and 26M.
Thanks in advance!
Cleat Failure
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HERNDON
- Engineer
- Posts: 188
- Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 5:15 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Clovis, Ca.
Rob:
I just replaced mine on my 95-26x. I found the upper bearings were bad from the sun but the lower were ok. Mine measure out to 5/32 diameter. I bought 100 for $5.00 plus freight and received them in 2 days. I tried West Marine but none of their Califonia distributors carried it. I believe you can purchase them direct from Harken. I bought mine from
McMaster-Carr. (Industrial mail order catalog that ships internationally)
I live in a small town and no one carried them. You might look in your phone book under bearing supply companies. I bought the teflon as they were available. Mine looked like cracked pearls.
You can feel the difference and see the difference.
Rob H.
I just replaced mine on my 95-26x. I found the upper bearings were bad from the sun but the lower were ok. Mine measure out to 5/32 diameter. I bought 100 for $5.00 plus freight and received them in 2 days. I tried West Marine but none of their Califonia distributors carried it. I believe you can purchase them direct from Harken. I bought mine from
McMaster-Carr. (Industrial mail order catalog that ships internationally)
I live in a small town and no one carried them. You might look in your phone book under bearing supply companies. I bought the teflon as they were available. Mine looked like cracked pearls.
You can feel the difference and see the difference.
Rob H.
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Schock Therapy
- Deckhand
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Wed May 26, 2004 8:46 pm
Try Steveston Marine. They probably will not have them in stock, but the wholesaler, Western Marine might. Western is down on Powell St. You can also try Westmarine, but they are not nearly as helpful and their sailboat hardware stock sucks! (and their prices are criminal!)
If you're really in a hurry, just buy a new cleat, and then rebuild the old one as a spare.
If you're really in a hurry, just buy a new cleat, and then rebuild the old one as a spare.
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Rob (1992 26S)
- Just Enlisted
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2004 10:36 pm
I found them!
Thanks guys!
As it turns out, Harken makes UV resistant ball bearings that are called "Delrin" bearings. I called Steveston Marine and they're trying to get them in by Friday. They are charging only 10 cents CAN each. My local marine store tried to convince me to buy the entire cleat since it would only cost $50. That's too much to spend when you can solve the problem for 5 or 6 bucks!
Thanks again!
PS If I don't get them Friday I'll just hope for a Northerly and sail on a starboard tack! If it's a southerly, I'll motor straight there and have more time to have a cold one. Its a win-win either way!
As it turns out, Harken makes UV resistant ball bearings that are called "Delrin" bearings. I called Steveston Marine and they're trying to get them in by Friday. They are charging only 10 cents CAN each. My local marine store tried to convince me to buy the entire cleat since it would only cost $50. That's too much to spend when you can solve the problem for 5 or 6 bucks!
Thanks again!
PS If I don't get them Friday I'll just hope for a Northerly and sail on a starboard tack! If it's a southerly, I'll motor straight there and have more time to have a cold one. Its a win-win either way!