Boomkicker question

[Ch0pp3r]

I have a Boomkicker installed on my H33.5. There is also a topping lift on the boom. I purchased the boat in this configuration. My understanding is that no topping lift is needed with the boom kicker. Is this true? I have a vang and a boomkicker and a topping lift plus of course the main sheet and traveler. I understand sail twist relationship with the traveler and sheet... but setting the vang/sheet a little less so when close hauled. And the Boomkicker just makes it more difficult to understand it all.

Any advice from Boomkicker users on how to best sail using this setup?

 

[sailor.fred]

Remove the topping lift from your boom and store it on your mast. You probably will never use it again. I haven't in over 10 years. Keep your boom horizontal with the boomkicker and you will not even think about changing it 90% of the time. Makes singlehanded sailing all that much easier.

 

[sesmith]

I've had a boomkicker on our last 2 boats. Topping lift is not necessary with a boomkicker. The previous owner may have left it on just as extra support, as the boom may bounce around more with the sail down, especially motoring in a chop. That's never really been an issue for us, so I don't have a topping lift on mine.

 

[Jackdaw]

A toppling lift is optional with a boomkicker. Many (myself included) will remove the topper but some like it to support the boom when the cover is on. If you remove it just move the main HALYARD (thx Ted) back to the end of the boom to support the boom when not sailing. The kicker will NOT hold the weight of a person leaning full on it.

Beyond supporting the boom when NOT sailing, it also helps hold shape in the sail during light airs. Unwind (like the vang) the boomkicker has no real effect. We usually release our vang when going upwind.

 

[Ch0pp3r]

I just realized... I believe the Dutchman system is using the topping lift... UGH...

 

[Ted]

If you remove it just move the mainsheet back to the end of the boom to support the boom when not sailing.

I think what Jackdaw meant to say was to move the MAIN HALYARD back to the end of the boom to support the boom when not sailing. I have a Boom Kicker on one of my boats and it works well until you try to support yourself while putting your mainsail cover on in rocking conditions. Attach the main halyard to the boom end as soon as possible after dropping the main. The Boom Kicker is a great piece of gear. Simple, effective and reasonable cost. Like any vang setup, it can be used for vang sheeting too. You must set the vang tension/main sail twist before you use the main sheet to play the puffs.

 

[Jackdaw]

I think what Jackdaw meant to say was to move the MAIN HALYARD back to the end of the boom to support the boom when not sailing.

LOL yes, good catch!

(I'll change that in my post)

 

[Ch0pp3r]

With the Dutchman system I think I have to keep the topping lift unless I get rid of it all together. It does not seem to be very effective at keeping the sail over the boom when I drop it however.

 

[quadrille38]

With the Dutchman system I think I have to keep the topping lift unless I get rid of it all together. It does not seem to be very effective at keeping the sail over the boom when I drop it however.

Yes with Dutchman you need the topping lift. It's what the vertical sail lines attach to. Had one on our previous boat a Catalina 34 and loved it.

 

[JamesG161]

Hmmmm? I always wondered why my topping lift was belayed to a cleat on the port side of the mast, while my boomkicker was controlled from the cockpit.

The PO used the boom lift plus spinnaker halyard to assist in lifting/putting the dinghy's deck storage to/from water.
Jim...

PS: I use the boomlift to help in-mast main furling for right boom angle.