 Boomkickers
are the simple, affordable solution to supporting the boom and eliminating
the chafe, hang-ups and adjustments of a topping lift.
Sailboat performance is improved with less weight and windage aloft.
In light air, lifting the boom opens the leech for a faster sail
shape and more speed. Reefing is safer and easier with better boom
control.
 Boomkickers
use two coated fiberglass spring rods to provide the force necessary
to support the boom and mainsail. The rods are clamped into hardcoat
anodized aluminum end pieces and attached to universal mast and
boom fittings. Fitting are included along with machine screw fasteners
and the proper drill and tap. The mast fitting has a standard round
slide which, used in the luff groove, avoids drilling into the mast.
It also allows adjustments later if needed. Flat slides in varying
widths are available from the factory. The slides can often be inserted
at the sail opening above the gooseneck and slid down reassembling
the fitting in position. If slides are not usable, the fitting can
be attached directly to the mast using the same drill and tap provided
for the boom. The custom extruded boom fitting is countoured to
fit both round and flat bottom booms.
 The
two sketches below show the basic set up of the Boomkicker models
750, 1000 and 1500. When installed, the Boomkicker is straight with
the boom positioned above the usual sailing height. As the mainsheet
or vang is tensioned, the Boomkicker flexes smoothly from straight
to flexed. The force stays relatively constant as the Boomkicker
continues to flex, which helps keep the vang efficient. Each standard
model has two sets of spring rods of different diameter and force
so you can choose the set that best matches your boom weight and
preference for support.
 The
more forceful the rods, the more support for the boom but the harder
it is to pull on the vang. In general only about 10lbs should be
needed to pull the end of the boom down by hand. The larger diameter
or more forceful set is initially installed. If the boat is at the
smaller range of the model, switching to the lighter rods before
installation is recommended. At their initial length, the rods provide
as much as 6 feet of travel at the end of the boom depending on
the set up. If needed the spring rods are easily shortened up to
10" with a hacksaw to fit above the vang, with some loss of
range.
Read about: Sliding
Fitting | Vang Purchase
Plate
Top |
