Boomkicker® Boom
Supports
The Alternative to Mechanical or Rigid
Vangs
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Installation
Instructions - Boomkicker® Model K0312
Recommended Installation Tools:
Phillips Screwdriver, Fine Tooth Hacksaw.
1. General:
The Model K0312 Boomkicker is designed for sailboats under 17' (5m)
who's boom, with sail, weighs under 16 lbs. (6.8kg). To the right is a
sketch of the Model K0312. The Boomkicker comes fully assembled.
Two fiberglass rods provide the force to support the boom.
The boom sits in the sling between the rods and is held by a
line to the gooseneck stop installed directly under the boom gooseneck. The
length of the line controls the initial height of the boom. As shown, the Boomkicker works by flexing and when
straight, it is at the top of its travel. Note that the Boomkicker does not
restrict the boom from rising higher.
2. Installing
Mast Bracket and Gooseneck Stop: The
Boomkicker works best if the boom gooseneck is
fixed in one spot on the mast. If the gooseneck can slide, then in
the normal sailing position with the sail up, place a mark on the mast,
indicating the lowest point of the gooseneck (Include any portion inside the
luff groove).
Then
remove the boom. Using the sail opening in the mast, first slide the mast
bracket down to the vang bail, do not tighten. Next slide the top
of
the gooseneck stop to the mark and tighten. Re-insert the boom against
the
stop. If the gooseneck is fixed to the mast, the slides
can
be detached, slid past the gooseneck and reassembled in position.
3. Final
Positioning: Using the main halyard, lift
the aft end of the boom 6"- 8" (15cm - 20cm) above horizontal or the
normal sailing level. Orient the Boomkicker so the two screw heads on
the base are facing downward or aft, and the sling loop for the line is
forward. If the Boomkicker fits in the area above the vang, hold the
sling around the underside of the boom and adjust the mast fitting
location to make an angle between 40° and 45° with the
boom. The sling
line should be loose and is adjusted later. If the angle is much lower
than
40°, then as the spring rods flex, they lose ability to hold
the boom.
Tighten the bracket in position. If the Boomkicker is too long or the
angle
too low, it can be cut down. Shorten the bottom of the rods (loosen two
small screws in base to pull the rods out) equal lengths of no more
than
5" (13cm). A fine tooth hacksaw works best. Before tightening the base screws,
confirm the rods are pushed all the way in and the Boomkicker labels
are out.
4. Final
Adjustments: With the gooseneck
against the stop, adjust the line between the sling and gooseneck stop
so the sling supports the boom. Since some initial stretch can be
expected under load, slightly over tighten. Disconnect the
halyard from the boom and press the boom down to test the force. Rods
should flex freely upward and have enough support for the boom and
mainsail
without sagging.
5. Boomkicker Orientation:
The Boomkicker produces the same force flexing up or down. Flexing
down allows the rods as they flex to better capture the boom in the
sling. A benefit for installation at low angles. If necessary as the
rods flex down, vang lines can run between them. To flex down, leave
the mast fitting as is, unpin the Boomkicker from the swivel, flip
position so small screws in base are up, then pull the sling off the
rods and reposition so line and loop are forward. Make sure rods are
well set in sling pockets. Questions?Visit us at www.boomkicker.com
or call 800-437-7654, 708-482-8801
Thanks again for choosing Boomkicker!
Patents: 5070802,
6062155
WARRANTY:
The following is made in lieu of all
warranties, expressed or implied. Seller's and manufacturer only
obligation shall be to replace or repair such parts of the product
proved to be defective for a period of five years. User shall determine
the suitability of the
product for its intended use and user assumes all risk and liability
whatsoever in connection therewith.
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