Boomkicker® Boom Supports
The Alternative to Mechanical or Rigid Vangs
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Installation Instructions -
Boomkicker® Model K0800
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: 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 K0800 is correct. The min. length is 35" (89cm) pin to pin
and the max. weight it can support is approximately 25 lbs. (11.3kg) at
the outboard end of the boom with the main sail flaked as stored.
2. Position Boomkicker: The Boomkicker works by flexing
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 (See orientation #7 below). With the boom height set, position the Boomkicker with fittings 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. |
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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, or at the web site or by 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. If the mast
is out of the boat, the slide may be inserted from the base of the mast.
Reassemble the mast bracket 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 #7 drill
and the 1/4-20 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 clamp plates for
each end have embossed stops to prevent slipping. Do not shorten total
length more than 10" (25cm). 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 recommended to check tighten the 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
pin aft. 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. Leave fittings swivel
and slider orientation as is.
Question? Visit
www.boomkicker.com or call 800-437-7654.
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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