Boomkicker®Boom Supports
The Alternative to Mechanical or Rigid Vangs
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Installation Instructions - Boomkicker® Model K0400
Recommended Installation Tools: Phillips Screwdriver,
Fine Tooth Hacksaw.
1. General: To the right is
a sketch of the Model K0400.
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. To check the K0400 is the correct model, the minimum length
is 26"(66cm) end pin to sling and the maximum weight it can support is
approximately 14 lbs(6.3kgs) at the outboard end of the boom with the mainsail
flaked. 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 boom 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 (Including 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 so against
the gooseneck stop. If the boom gooseneck is fixed to the mast, the slides
can be detached, slid past the gooseneck and reassembled. Swivel hole must be
up.
3. Final Positioning: Using
the main halyard, lift the aft end of the boom 6"- 8" (15cm - 20cm) above
horizontal or normal sailing level . If the Boomkicker fits in the area
above the vang, hold the sling around the under side of the boom and adjust the
mast fitting location to make an angel 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 (See
orientation #5 below). Tighten the bracket in position and reattach the Boomkicker
with clamp screws on top and the sling loop for the line, forward.
If the Boomkicker is too long to fit in the area above the vang, or the
angle is low, the spring rods can be cut down. Shorten the bottom of both
rods (Use the provided hex-key to loosen rod clamp.) equal lengths of no
more than 8" (20cm). A fine tooth hacksaw works best. Before tightening the
rod clamp, make sure the rods are against the stops on the lower plate and
Boomkicker labels are out.
4. Final Adjustments: Adjust
the line between the sling and the gooseneck stop so the sling supports the
boom at the correct height. Since some initial stretch can be expected under load, slightly over tighten.
Disconnect the halyard from the boom and press the boom down to flex the Boomkicker and test the force. Rods should flex freely upward and support
the boom and mainsail without the boom sagging. Too much force will cause
the boom to bow upwards. If less force is needed, optional smaller diameter rods
are available either as exchange, ordered on the web or by phone.
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,
position so rod clamp screw heads face down, then slide the sling off the rods
and reverse it's position.
Questions? Visit
www.boomkicker.com , or call 800-437-7654, 708-482-8801
Thanks again for choosing Boomkicker!
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.
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