Which genoa track and cars are typically fitted on a Beneteau Oceanis 38?
I'm looking to replace or upgrade the genoa cars on my 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 38. The current ones are sticking badly under load and the plastic end caps are shot. Do you know exactly which brand and size of track was fitted at the factory, and what replacement cars will fit directly?
Answer
The Beneteau Oceanis 38 was typically factory-fitted with either Lewmar Size 1 (25mm) T-track or Harken 27mm Midrange track, depending on the exact year and sail plan option. Most standard overlapping genoa setups use simple pin-stop cars, while boats configured with the self-tacking jib feature a curved Harken 27mm track on the coachroof.
Identifying Your Factory Setup
Beneteau sourced deck hardware from both Lewmar and Harken during the production run of the Oceanis 38 (2014 to 2017) and the subsequent 38.1. The boat came in three layouts (Daysailer, Weekender and Cruiser). Deck hardware varied depending on the original buyer's specification. Look closely at the track profile to identify your gear. Lewmar Size 1 track is a classic T-track measuring 25mm across the top. Harken 27mm track is slightly wider and features a black hardcoat-anodised finish with a flatter top profile.
Check the plastic end caps or the side of the car body. Both manufacturers stamp their logos clearly on the aluminium cheeks. If your end caps are missing, measure the track width with digital calipers to confirm before ordering parts.
The Self-Tacking Jib Track
If your Oceanis 38 has the self-tacking jib rather than an overlapping genoa, you will have a curved track mounted forward of the mast on the coachroof. This is almost universally a Harken 27mm CB (Captive Ball) track. The standard factory car is a Harken 27mm ball-bearing unit fitted with a stand-up toggle to hold the sheet block.
This car rolls back and forth constantly on every tack. The Torlon ball bearings eventually degrade or fall out if the end caps fail. Replacement Harken cars (such as part number T2701B) cost around £250 to £350. When fitting a new Harken CB car, always use the supplied plastic loader track to slide the car directly onto the deck track. Otherwise the ball bearings will spill onto the deck and bounce straight into the water.
Pin-Stop and Towable Cars
Boats optioned with side-deck tracks for a 105% or 110% overlapping genoa usually came with standard pin-stop cars. These require you to manually lift a spring-loaded plunger to slide the car forward or aft. Moving pin-stop cars while the sheet is under load is dangerous. Always tack or luff up to take the tension off the sheet before adjusting. Keep your fingers well clear of the track.