Which genoa track and cars are typically fitted on a Hallberg-Rassy 34?
My 1998 Hallberg-Rassy 34 still has the original genoa cars, and the sheaves are starting to crack. The pin stops are also getting incredibly stiff. What make and size of track and cars did HR fit as standard, and what are my best options for replacing or upgrading them without having to drill new holes in the deck?
Answer
The Hallberg-Rassy 34 was factory-fitted with Lewmar 30mm T-track and matching pin-stop genoa cars from their older Ocean range. If you are replacing them today, your best drop-in option is the Lewmar Size 2 NTR car, or you can upgrade to a towable system using the existing track.
Original Factory Setup
Between 1990 and 2005, Hallberg-Rassy used Lewmar deck hardware. The genoa track on the HR 34 is a standard Lewmar Size 2 metric T-track measuring 30mm across the top flange. These tracks are through-bolted to the deck using M6 stainless steel countersunk machine screws with a standard metric hole spacing of 100mm between centres.
The factory cars were Lewmar Ocean pin-stop models. These feature a sprung stainless steel plunger that drops into the locating holes on the track. They use a black Delrin or aluminium sheave, usually 60mm in diameter, running on a plain bearing or Torlon balls. The HR 34 carries a large overlapping genoa. These cars take substantial sheet loads, dictating the choice of 30mm Size 2 hardware over the lighter 25mm alternative.
Identifying Wear and Failures
After two decades of use, the original Lewmar Ocean cars will show distinct signs of wear. Check these specific areas before deciding to rebuild or replace:
- UV degraded sheaves: Black Delrin sheaves become brittle from sun exposure. Hairline cracks radiating from the centre bearing mean the sheave will eventually shatter under load.
- Seized pin stops: The stainless steel plunger and internal spring corrode or pack with salt. If the pin requires kicking to move, the spring has failed.
- Worn bearings: Grab the sheave and rock it side-to-side. Excessive play indicates worn bearing inserts. This increases friction and makes sheeting in harder.
- Track anodising: The silver or black anodising wears thin where the car sits most frequently. Severe wear causes the car to stick.
Replacement and Upgrades
If your track remains in good condition and firmly attached to the deck, you do not need to replace it. Removing track requires dropping the headlining in the cabin. You can simply slide on new cars instead.
Direct Replacement: The modern equivalent is the Lewmar Size 2 NTR pin-stop car. These cost around £180 to £220 each. They slide straight onto the original 30mm T-track and use the existing plunger holes. This is a five-minute job once the track end-stops are removed.