Let’s Talk About Barton Marine Genoa Car
The Barton Marine Genoa Car might seem like a small component in the grand scheme of sailing, but seasoned sailors know that optimizing genoa performance can make or break a race, or even just a leisurely cruise. Barton Marine has been a respected name in the sailing hardware industry for decades, known for producing reliable and functional gear. This particular genoa car is designed for boats using a 20mm (3/4″) ‘T’ track, a common size on many mid-sized sailboats.
My own interest in the Barton Marine Genoa Car stemmed from a frustrating experience with my aging genoa cars, which had begun to bind and stick, making sail trimming a real chore. I was looking for a direct replacement that would offer smoother operation and improved adjustability. The promise of a precision-turned Ertalyte sheave and a positive action plunger mechanism piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the Barton Marine Genoa Car, I was immediately impressed by the solid feel and the clean finish. The “Spectro” grey anodized aluminum exuded quality, suggesting a product built to withstand the harsh marine environment. The build quality seemed robust, with no visible flaws or imperfections.
I briefly considered a Harken car, known for its ball-bearing system, and a Lewmar car, with its similar plunger-stop mechanism. I chose the Barton Marine Genoa Car because it appeared to offer a good balance of performance, durability, and value, and the Barton Marine reputation for reliability also factored into my decision. First impressions were very positive: the car felt like a quality piece of hardware. I was excited to install it and see if it lived up to my expectations on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barton Marine Genoa Car to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Barton Marine Genoa Car was during a weekend sailing trip on the Chesapeake Bay. The conditions were fairly typical for the Bay in the fall: a moderate breeze of 10-15 knots, with occasional gusts and some chop. The car was installed on my boat’s genoa track without any issues.
The immediate improvement in genoa trimming was noticeable. The car moved smoothly and easily along the track, allowing for precise adjustments to the sail’s shape. Even when the wind picked up and the loads on the sail increased, the car remained responsive and easy to adjust. I found the plunger mechanism to be simple and effective, locking the car securely in place without any slippage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Barton Marine Genoa Car has continued to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. Even after being exposed to salt water, UV radiation, and the occasional accidental impact, the anodized finish still looks great.
Maintaining the Barton Marine Genoa Car has been a breeze. A simple rinse with fresh water after each sailing trip is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functioning smoothly. I periodically apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the sheave and the plunger mechanism to ensure optimal performance. Compared to my previous genoa cars, which required frequent cleaning and lubrication to prevent binding, the Barton Marine Genoa Car has been remarkably low-maintenance. It definitely outperforms my previous set-up and has made sail trimming much easier.
Breaking Down the Features of Barton Marine Genoa Car
Specifications
The Barton Marine Genoa Car is specifically designed for use with 20mm (3/4″) ‘T’ tracks, a common size found on many sailboats. Its overall length is 51 mm, which makes it relatively compact and unobtrusive on the deck. It is constructed from high-quality marine-grade aluminum with a unique “Spectro” grey anodized finish.
The Barton Marine Genoa Car features a precision-turned Ertalyte sheave that is through-bolted for extra strength. Ertalyte is a thermoplastic material known for its high strength, low friction, and excellent wear resistance in marine environments. The positive action plunger mechanism has an easy-grip knob for simple, secure locking. These specs translate to a smooth-running, durable car that stands up to the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The Barton Marine Genoa Car excels in its primary function: providing smooth and precise control over genoa sheet leads. It allows for easy adjustment of the genoa car position under load, enabling sailors to fine-tune the sail’s shape for optimal performance. The Ertalyte sheave reduces friction, making adjustments effortless, even in strong winds.
The car’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and smooth operation. The plunger mechanism is reliable and easy to use. One potential area for improvement would be to offer a version with a more sophisticated ball-bearing system for even lower friction, but this would likely increase the price. The Barton Marine Genoa Car certainly meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Barton Marine Genoa Car’s build quality is excellent. The marine-grade aluminum construction and anodized finish give it a premium feel. The car is lightweight yet sturdy, and the compact design minimizes its impact on the boat’s aesthetics.
The ergonomic design of the plunger knob makes it easy to grip and operate, even with wet or gloved hands. The car is straightforward to install and use, requiring no special tools or expertise. There is no learning curve associated with this product.
Durability & Maintenance
The Barton Marine Genoa Car is built to withstand the rigors of the marine environment. The marine-grade aluminum construction and anodized finish provide excellent corrosion resistance. The Ertalyte sheave is highly resistant to wear and tear.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. With proper care, this genoa car should provide years of reliable service. The car is also simple in design, suggesting fewer points of potential failure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Barton Marine Genoa Car does not come with any accessories beyond the car itself. However, its compatibility with standard 20mm (3/4″) ‘T’ tracks makes it easy to integrate with existing sailing systems. There are no specific customization options offered by Barton Marine for this model.
However, sailors can easily adapt the car to their specific needs by using different shackles, blocks, and other hardware to create customized sheet lead configurations. The standardized design ensures compatibility with a wide range of accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Barton Marine Genoa Car
Pros
- Smooth and easy genoa trimming due to the precision-turned Ertalyte sheave.
- Durable construction using high-quality marine-grade aluminum with a “Spectro” grey anodized finish.
- Simple and reliable plunger mechanism for secure locking.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring minimal effort.
- Excellent value for the price, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
Cons
- The plunger mechanism, while reliable, is not as low-friction as a ball-bearing system.
- Limited customization options directly from the manufacturer.
Who Should Buy Barton Marine Genoa Car?
The Barton Marine Genoa Car is perfect for sailboat owners who are looking for a reliable, durable, and affordable upgrade to their genoa trimming system. It’s an excellent choice for cruisers and club racers who want smooth and precise control over their genoa sheet leads. Sailors who have 20mm T-tracks will find this to be a well-suited product.
Those seeking the absolute lowest friction possible, regardless of cost, might consider a more expensive ball-bearing car from Harken or Lewmar. Anyone seeking extensive customization options should also look elsewhere. A must-have accessory is a good quality shackle to connect the sheet to the car.
Conclusion on Barton Marine Genoa Car
The Barton Marine Genoa Car is a well-built, reliable, and functional piece of sailing hardware that delivers excellent performance at a reasonable price. The product exceeded my initial expectations. The smooth operation, durable construction, and easy maintenance make it a worthwhile upgrade for any sailor looking to improve their genoa trimming system.
The price is definitely justified for the performance and durability you get. I would personally recommend the Barton Marine Genoa Car to any sailor looking for a reliable and affordable genoa car solution. Upgrade your sailing experience today with the Barton Marine Genoa Car and enjoy smoother, more precise sail control!