Boomkicker® Boom
Supports
The Alternative to Mechanical or Rigid
Vangs
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Installation Instructions - Boomkicker® Model K0750
Important Note:
To avoid undue stress on the boom fitting, it's recommended that booms
be fixed in the upright position. If the boom can roll about its'
central axis, please contact the factory before installation.
Learn more.
Recommended
Installation Tools:
Phillips Screwdriver;
Fine Tooth Hacksaw; Center Punch; Rule; Variable Speed Reversible Drill
and Blue
Locktite.
1. Setup
Boom Height: Sliding goosenecks should be
positioned for sailing. Securing a stop under the gooseneck relocates
the position for rigging. Use the main halyard to support the boom
above its highest operating position, or a desired height when moored
or docked. At this time, check that the Model K0750 is correct. The
min. length is 31" (79cm) pin to pin and the max. weight it can support
is approximately 21 lbs. (9.5kg) measured at the outboard end of the
boom with the main sail flaked.
2. Position Boomkicker:
The Boomkicker works by flexing upward and when straight, it is at the
top of its travel. Install the Boomkicker with the screw head side of
rod clamps facing up to flex upward away from the
vang. With the boom height set, position the Boomkicker
alongside the vang triangle to see how it fits. Position is not
critical so long as it does not interfere with the vang. It's
recommended that both the vang and the Boomkicker make an angle of
between 30o and 45o with
the boom. Mark the location for the mast fitting. Generally the lower on the
mast the better. |
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3. Install
Mast Fitting: The mast fitting comes
with a luff grove slide to avoid drilling the mast. Different diameters
and flat slides are available by exchange, web site or
phone. See part list. If usable, after disassembly from the fitting,
the slide can often be inserted at the mast opening for the sail and
dropped or lowered with a string behind the gooseneck into position. If the mast is out of the boat, the
slide may be inserted from the base of the mast. Reassemble at the desired location and tighten the screws. If the slide is
unusable, the bracket may be screwed directly to the mast. Extra long
screws are included if needed to pass through the groove. Use the #25
drill and the 10-24 tap provided, with the mast fitting bracket as a
guide. A variable speed, reversible drill makes tapping easy. Go slow. Locktite is recommended on threads.
Swivel hole must be up. |
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4. Shorten
if Necessary: If the Boomkicker is too
long, we recommend shortening the rods at the mast end so any cut ends
are less visible. Loosen the rod clamp with the provided hex-key and
slide the extension up the rods until there is a good fit. The bottom
half of the clamp fittings for each extension have embossed stops to
prevent slipping. Do not shorten total length more than 5" (13cm). Cut
off extra rod length equally from both rods with a fine tooth hacksaw.
Before tightening the clamps, check the rod ends are against the
embossed stops and the clamps/extensions are not twisted relative to
each other. It is also a good idea to check tighten rod clamp screws once a
season. |
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5. Install Boom Fitting:
Make sure the rod clamps at both ends are tight. Then attach the
Boomkicker to the mast fitting, and the slide and track at the boom
end. The angle on the track goes forward, the stop in aft. Important:
The vertical edge of the slider must be forward to allow
flex room for the Boomkicker. There are 3
standard choices for the stop with the initial position in the middle
for later adjustment if needed. If necessary more stop positions can be
drilled using the inscribed line along the side of the track for the
3/16" diameter pin. With the Boomkicker in position and slid back
against the stop pin, and with the track centered under the boom, mark
one hole. Then center punch, drill and tap. Attach the track, recheck
position, then drill and tap the remaining holes using the track as a
guide. Use Locktite on threads. Hint: Once
installed, to attach the Boomkicker, it's usually easier to slide the
Boomkicker into the boom track first, then attach it to the mast
fitting, rather then attaching to the mast first.
6. Check Return Force:
After installation, check return force by pushing down on the end of
the boom. The amount of support desired is a personal preference. For
reference, with the sail flaked, using about 10 to 12 lbs.(4.5 to 5.4
kgs) to pull the aft end of the boom down seems like a good balance
between boom support versus tension required to pull on the vang. More
support may be desired with a bimini or if crew use the boom for
support with the sail down. Less support may be desired if the mainsail
is not stored on the boom or the Boomkicker is used to just lift the
boom in light air for sail shape. If less or more force is needed,
optional spring rods are available either as exchange, or ordered on
the web or by phone. The purpose of the Boomkicker is to support the
boom so the boom topping lift can be eliminated along with the chafe,
windage, hangups and adjustments. If needed in unique circumstances,
such as motoring in waves with the mainsail down, the main halyard can
be attached to the aft end of the boom and tightened for further
support. 7. Boomkicker orientation: The Boomkicker
produces the same force flexing up or down. Flexing down
may provide a better view of instruments on the back of the mast. If
necessary as rods flex down, vang lines can run between them. To flex down have
rod clamp screw heads, facing down.
Question? 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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