Boom Kicker

[shanker]

In anticipation of picking up my boat this summer, I ordered a boom kicker. This was back on July 20th from ************ Marine out of Colorado. I have called numerous times, sent numerous emails and have not gotten a response. I had heard that they were a reputable outfit. I found their info and link on the Mac owners site. Has anyone dealt with these guys or heard of what is going on.

Now about that boom kicker... what are your thoughts on this item. I thought that I would eliminate the topping lift with it but I sail with mine on. What do you guys do...take the topping lift off the boom when under sail? Any of you use a boom kicker?

 

[inarathree]

Most of the time I leave the topping lift on the boom, just make sure that it has enough slack in it that when the sail is up, its not still holding the boom up. When sailing for more than a day sail (not on my H22, but friends larger boats) we take the topping lift off, so it doesn't chafe the leech of the sail.

 

[Scubagirl62]

We remove our topping lift when under sail and secure it to the mast.

 

[sailor.fred]

I have used a Boomkicker Model 1500 for the last 5 years on my Hunter 30T. Don't use a topping lift. Makes singlehanded a lot easier. Would do this again.

 

[soling42]

With no boom kicker and because we hoist/lower the main often my topping lift is only removed when I lower the mast for trailering. It hangs on the top batten occasionally but other than that it's not an issue. A BK is a lower priority for my upgrades and I just haven't gotten down my list that far yet.

By now our boat has almost all the bells and whistles except a BK but it's almost time to start replacing my 5y/o canvas and older safety gear like our PDFs and flares so with other priorities coming up it'll get bumped down the list again.

Good luck with your upgrades. Mike

 

[mlsalwa16686]

I took my topping lift off and have never missed it.

 

[Paladin27]

I installed a Boomkicker last fall and put the topping lift on the mast, haven't touched it since. Love the Boomkicker!

 

[Barnacle Bill]

1-800-437-7654
The above is the number for the Boom Kicker man himself. He invented and built the product and is a very nice and reputable guy. Call him directly and tell him about the company that is supposed to be supporting his product. I am sure he will take care of you right away. http://www.boomkicker.com
His name is Ted. Tell him where you got this info. He is waiting for your call. Really.

 

[shanker]

Hey Bill. That is terrific. I actually bought and paid for two of them as a buddie decided to get in on the deal. I feel bad because I convinced him to do this and its been six weeks of no replys. I hpoe this this works out. Either way I greatly appreciate what did.

Cheers.

Shanker

 

[twodzusfittings]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does a boom kicker actually do?

 

[inarathree]

A boom kicker holds the boom up in replacement to a topping lift. Its a rigid piece of material (fiberglass rod?) that attaches at or near the mast base, and to the boom. If you google it there are plenty of pictures.

 

[shanker]

Boomkicker info

When I owned my MacX I wanted a kicker to help with single handle sailing. Here is a link to the info that tweeked my interest on this product.

http://macgregorsailors.com/catalog/pages/boomkicker/index.php

Lots of good info if you google it, as stated before, and check the various sailing forums for actual user feedback on the boomkicker.

Shanker

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Boom Kicker success

Hey Bill. That is terrific. I actually bought and paid for two of them as a buddie decided to get in on the deal. I feel bad because I convinced him to do this and its been six weeks of no replys. I hpoe this this works out. Either way I greatly appreciate what did.

Cheers.

Shanker

I am glad it worked out for you. I like happy endings. Happy sailing.

 

[shanker]

Thanks again Bill. Ted got right on it. He actually had not yet received the order even though I paid for it on July 22 !!

On another note, I read your profile and you mention that the Bahamas are you favorite place to sail. Your bio says that you have seen most of the waters that I'm interested in down the road so I'd be curious to hear why the Bahamas rank first.

Shanker