Boomkicker size?

[Carol]

I'm looking to add a Boomkicker to my CP16 I.  According to boat length, I can apparently use either the K0312 or K0400.  I already have a boomvang installed.  Has anybody installed a Boomkicker and which did you choose?

[multimedia_smith]

Hi Carol,

I added the boomkicker soon after I got the boat.  I went for the lighter one (boats to 16').  It works fine for sail control especially in light air... it keeps the weight of the boom from pulling down and flattening the sail so I get a nice pocket.  Since you already have a vang, you can get just the amount of twist you want.

For holding the boom after the main is down while motoring back, it is a little light weight.  The boom does "bounce" a bit when we hit the chop, so I have to sheet in on the main.  If I really want a solid lock on the boom on the way in (with passengers aboard)  I detach the main halyard and hook it to boom end.  I really like not having to mess with a topping lift.

I think the larger model might be a bit stiff for the 16 but would probably work OK.  I did order the lower part from the K400 to use as a vang swivel... it works great for that.  Because of the amount of force on the mast slot, I made it go part way into the mast foot to provide some shear strength.  I've been using it for three years now, and have had it in all sorts of conditions and I would have to say that it is a plus.

As usual, here are a couple of pics of both the vang and the foot.  Remember to click on the pic after it loads for the larger more readable version.

Boomkicker folks site
http://www.boomkicker.com/Index.htm

Boomkicker part as Vang swivel - (before adding mast foot)
http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=5
http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=35

Mast foot integrating vang swivel
http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=25
http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=24

Let us know which one you install and how you like it.

Happy Sailing

Dale

[Carol]

Thanks for the info, Dale.  I've ordered the 312 and will report back once it's on.  I've been using the main halyard too, but it's a pain given that I'm usually singlehanded.  Mostly I'm just trying to keep the boom from dropping into the cockpit when I lower the sail.

[Gil Weiss]

Dale,

I never added a boom vang to my 16/3 due to the geometry involved but you look like you made it work.

After looking at your images, please remind me why you added the plywood block under the mast.

Thanks . . .

[multimedia_smith]

Hi Gil,
Yes, my boat is a 16III also. Actually it came with the plywood foot on the mast.  I always had a food on the RC sailboats just to avoid having the open end compressing on the tabernacle.  The reason I added the new plexi foot was to add an inch in mast height.  I was experimenting with raking the mast forward for balance.  The turnbuckle on the headstay had run out of adjustment thread... I tried grinding the ends a little shorter, but I needed a bit more and didn't want the turnbuclke "bottoming out" against itself.   The foot acts as a "spacer" for the mast and gives me not only a well balanced rig, but it exactly centers the mast in the tabernacle with no side to side space.

One bonus is that I lowered the "piston" (round slug) on the vang mount (made from the larger boomkicker swivel) and was able to anchor it solidly into the plexi of the foot.  This provides shear strength to the tremendous force of the vang pulling backwards against the sail slot.  I was worried about a gust pulling it out of the slot.  I also added a locknut on the top of the slug also.  "suspenders AND a belt" overkill maybe, but I don't give it a thought now.

Enjoy

Dale

[multimedia_smith]

Hi Carol,
I singlehand a lot, and have found this little gizmo very helpful for leaving the tiller to do the little odd jobs that pop up...
pouring a cup of coffee, changing tracks on the MP3, freeing the jib sheet, flaking the main... and yes, moving the halyard.

http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=34

The bungie loops really make it work great... minor tweaks with the knee and automatically back to center...

Have fun with the new boat.

Dale

[Carol]

Yeah, a Tiller Lock was one of my first additions.  I had the Tiller Tamer on my old boat and after a while it began to squeak...drove me nuts!  Hoping to get my upgrades done this week some time.  I'll post pics when I'm done.
Carol.

[idouglas]

Dale:

Can you tell me how to locate/purchase the CanSail tiller lock?

thanks

idouglas

[Craig Weis]

Skip here, instead of the 'O Rope and wedge trick such as the Tiller Tamer type operation I opted for the Forespar twist and lock tiller stabilizer with a receiver socket in both sides of the cockpit combing. And this telescoping stick plugs into a flush mounted socket that I put on the underside of my tiller. This allows me to use the canvas cover that came with the boat to protect my varnish when sitting dockside. Reasons more? Here are a few.

1~Only one obstruction that the helmsman can put on either the windward or lee side of the boat. Allowing the helmsman the option to sit fore or aft, port or starboard on the settees. And one can not use the combing receivers and use the Forespar unit to extend the length of the tiller so the helmsman can sneak up close to the closed companionway cover to get out of the weather.

2~A strong twist-to-lock action that provides a dead nuts never varying and stable tiller. In both the push and/or pull action that the IdaSailor rudder may impose on the tiller.

3~The ability to sail for hours [yes hours without touching the tiller or sheets. I just sailed like this yeasterday leaving Monominee Marina, Michigan for Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin].
With a steady tiller, the actual distance covered becomes greater in less time, once the boat is balanced. No stick wiggling. The course holds true.

4~When shifting the helman's [or crews] weight my C-P 19 holds the course. I can go below for a diet-Up, Zippy Sausage, cheddar cheese, or spaghetti lunch.

5~It ain't cheap but boy it's nice. Best thing I have done for the boat's drivibility and helmsman comfort.

[Carol]

I bought my CanSail tiller lock on eBay.  The manufacturer has a store there.  Shipping was very fast.

[multimedia_smith]

Glad you got it... for anyone else who's interested... here it is.
http://www.cansail.com/
http://www.cansail.com/tillerinstall.htm
http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=34
I installed mine upside down from their illustration and put it on the bottom of the tiller.
This allows me to lift the tiller up to clear a passenger if necessary.  The stretched rope lies just beneath the tiller anyway.  Also, I added the bungie loops on the ends that go over the rear cleats for tiller tweaks.

As for the getting the most utilitarian angle... I mounted mine with the back edge of the sail stop 11 1/4  inches forward from the front edge of the rudder pintle.  This makes an angle that you can set or let slip through the sail stop without falling out.  It will even hold at the radical angle of Hove To.

I like the way it is either off or on... that's what you want, not gradually harder to steer.
Good Choice...

Dale