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The main complaint my wife and I found when we started sailing a Capri 18 was the necessity of securing the boom to the backstay prior to lowering the main. Since we sail the Great Lakes, fastening the boom in changing winds and seas can be quite an adventure. Dropping the boom into the cockpit isn’t an acceptable substitute. It made reefing a hazardous chore. The obvious answer is the installation of a toping lift. However, another line at the top of the mast and coming across the slight roach of the main really didn’t seem to be the answer. It was also another line to be secured, and stowed or deployed when going from trailer to water and back. Also lines through blocks at the top of the mast have an uncanny ability to jam at the most inopportune moment.
This year we bought a “Boomkicker” from the Seoladair Ltd. Company. It employs flexible rods from the bottom of the mast to the boom, just forward of the vang. With the vang slack, the boom is held horizontal. The vang tensions both the main and the flexible rods. When striking the main, no adjustment is necessary. When reefing, releasing the vang raises the boom to aid in securing the foot. This is the simplicity we desired for comfort and safety.
The company makes several models for craft from 14 to 38 ft. For the Capri 18 they recommend the K0312/K0400 model that utilizes a sliding attachment to the boom. This requires fastening a line from this “boom saddle” to the mast. The next model up the scale( K0750) utilizes a boom mount that is secured to the boom. Since this is the model recommended for the Catalina 22, and requires less parts and maintenance, we purchased it.
Installation took less than an hour. The mast attachment is secured to the sail track, just slide it in and secure 2 screws (like a sail stop). The boom fitting is secured by drilling and tapping( the drill and tap supplied in the kit). It is located just forward of the vang attachment. The carbon fiber rods are cut to the proper length with a hacksaw. Two sets of rods are included in the kit, ½” diameter and 7/16” diameter. I started with the ½”, but realized that this was just too much force. The 7/16” are stiff yet quite functional. If uncut, pairs of rods can be exchanged for a 3/8” diameter pair for the price of shipping and handling. I may get the smaller diameter set sometime in the future, but what I have now works. The instructions provided are brief, yet concise.
Now for a couple of caveats. (A) The height of the mast fitting might conflict with attaching the mast to the tabernacle. This depends on the height of the mast crutch. Once the mast is raised, the fitting could be lowered and secured. I leave mine alone (one less thing to do at he ramp). (B) The Boomkicker acts like a fulcrum,(when the vang is engaged) increasing the force on the downhaul. Any slip in the clam cleat will let the boom rise on the mast. I plan on replacing the clam cleat with either a jam or cam cleat. (C) The force on the vang is increased. Pressure is maintained until the flex in the rods is spent. Exercise care in the amount of line twixt cam cleat and fingers.
The advantages I anticipated when I purchased the unit are real. It is very easy to use. Since the boom fitting uses 2 open slots, disassembly consists of raising the boom until the rod holder end drops free. Just set it down on the cabin top and reclip the boom to the backstay. Remove the pin on the mast fitting and the rod assembly fits nicely in the Starboard locker. Since all that remains are two small fittings firmly secured, this part of the job is done. The doubling of the slots also has a tendency of keeping the boom from rolling. Since the Capri 18 uses end boom sheeting without a traveler, this can be quite severe. Better sail shape is kept. Releasing the vang, raises the boom, causing air to “spill” from the main. This is an aid while reefing or stowing the main in gusty conditions with a changing sea.
All in all, We are quite happy with this new improvement and place it on a par with roller furling for the jib.
Ron Houston 89’Capri 18 #367 “bob”
ronh@eaglequest.com
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