Boom kicker

[tom h Capri 22]

Looking at the boom kicker and in the pictures connot really see of thre boom mount they supply works with the performance package boom on the CP 22.
Any pictures out there on how yours are installed and also how well do they perform as compaired to a typical standard solid vang like i am used to.

 

[sinnettc]

Kicker works fine with the metal bracket on the boom. There's an adapter (abs plastic?) that makes it fit around the channel. Pretty sure PO shaved some length off of mine so the placement isn't quite what I'd prefer. It just about blocks the lines for the in-boom reefing and outhaul. Also note the yellow - that's where the outer layer of gelcoat (or whatever it is) was removed so the block will fit between the bars. You'll probably need your vang to manage it on just about all points of sail so it doesn't lift the boom too high. Not sure if that's the case with the one's you're used to.

Full res image at http://www.flickr.com/photos/36153401@N08/7489688978/sizes/o/in/set-72157630398586726/

 

[Mattw79]

If you have a rotating gooseneck like I do, you will need the roll preventer bracket from boomkicker as well. Otherwise the boom will twist under tension. Also, you'll have to move the boom vang connection on the boom back a good 3" to get the right angle for the boomkicker. When dissconected from the backstay, my boom will stay pretty much level under the weight of the flaked mainsail. It's not too much upward pressure were i'm constantly managing the boom vang.

 

[cradabau]

I have the same boom kicker pictured above. It was mentioned that you would have to move the boomvang back to make room for the kicker. We just cut the white fiberglass rods a couple of inches shorter to make it fit using a hack saw. This did two things for us. One it made the boom level and two, allowed us to leave the vang where it was.
We did have a problem getting the two plastic adapters to work. Ended up not using the adapters at all. Basically the bracket is just attached to the bottom of the boom centered on top of the ridge. I was a little concerned with not using the plastic spacers but we've had the kicker for several years with no problem.
A good investment.

 

[sinnettc]

If you have a rotating gooseneck like I do, you will need the roll preventer bracket from boomkicker as well. Otherwise the boom will twist under tension. Also, you'll have to move the boom vang connection on the boom back a good 3" to get the right angle for the boomkicker. When dissconected from the backstay, my boom will stay pretty much level under the weight of the flaked mainsail. It's not too much upward pressure were i'm constantly managing the boom vang.

You'll see that mine rotates a bit, but since I use a loose footed main I don't think it makes a difference. At least not enough that I can tell, anyway.

 

[jerrymlewis]

I remember the class rules prohibited racing with any type of boom lifter (like the boom kicker device). Is that still true?

 

[SpiderPig]

I remember the class rules prohibited racing with any type of boom lifter (like the boom kicker device). Is that still true?

Not much for a class anymore Jerry. Our fleet voted them in and I know many others use them. I don't see any difference in performance so let them fly!

 

[Richard9547]

The plastic adapter blocks have changed.
Used to be it was all one piece and quite rigid.
Bit also expensive. So Ted though that maybe
a simple strip on each side would be ok.
Personally, I don't like the strips and would
much prefer the one-piece arrangement.
I think I got the first trial of the double sticks
when rigging my Capri 26 with a boom kicker.

It's really just a gap filler to keep lines from
getting fowled in there.

As for the anti-roll bars - yes. If the boom
is free to rotate then put them on.
While you may have a loose footed sail now,
that may not always be the case.

When (IF?) I find a Capri 22 of my own I'll just
make a one-piece adapter myself.
But definitely I'll use Ted's Boom Kicker.
Not only is it a great addition to any sailboat,
Ted himself is a class act.
http://www.boomkicker.com/

Ok, so from an engineering perspective, shortening
the rods may lower the boom to where you want it
but that also stiffens the rods/boom response.
Probably not really a problem. I'd have to lay hands
on it to decide how to go.

But not having to move the vang might make it
the better approach.

SO Looking forward to finding out...

Richard

 

[tom h Capri 22]

still not sure i will go with the boom kicker, Garhauar has a small spring loaded solid vang for about 225.00 that i might buy. I had one on my Ericson 27 and it worker very good, also, very well built and comes with all the tackle and rope.

 

[Mattw79]

Here is my Boom Kicker installed with the roll brackets. The problem with trying to install this before the vang connection is that the boom kicker acts more like a brace than a spring. The rods would be so short that it would take an incredible amount of force to try and flex them. The boom vang sole purpose would be to resist the upward force of the boom kicker I experimented with multiple angles and found that about 30 degrees was perfect. The boom sits level under the weight of the flaked main. The only downside is that it does take more strength to crank down the boom vang because of the shallow angle. The vang pull direction is more horizontal now than down. This is a minor issue (or non-issue in my opinion) and the benefits of the Boom Kicker are well worth it.

 

[tom h Capri 22]

How much up pressure does the kicker give, my reason to have one is to raise the boom up in light air and open up the main, otherwise, it's just a support so you don't need a topping lift.

 

[sinnettc]

Mine lifts it enough that my sail is way too baggy without some vang.

 

[Richard9547]

How much up pressure does the kicker give, my reason to have one is to raise the boom up in light air and open up the main, otherwise, it's just a support so you don't need a topping lift.

I kept the topping lift so that we could pull the boom up out of head-knocking reach when anchored.

Up with the topping lift, down on the main sheet.

 

[tom h Capri 22]

After talking with Mark At garhaur marine the smallest vang they make still is a bit too big for the Capri 22 due to the boom height above deck.
It looks like I will be installing the kicker, what model # should I order KO 750 or KO 800 also, what extras should I get to complete the install correctly.
I do have the performance package.

 

[dave_ren]

After talking with Mark At garhaur marine the smallest vang they make still is a bit too big for the Capri 22 due to the boom height above deck.
It looks like I will be installing the kicker, what model # should I order KO 750 or KO 800 also, what extras should I get to complete the install correctly.
I do have the performance package.

Check out the boomkicker package from Catalina Direct (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1649_399/custom-cp-22--2012br-boomkicker.cfm). It includes the spacers and roll-stop fitting. I bought a boomkicker for my last boat (Catalina 22) through them, got the best price plus the tools to drill and tap the boom, and included instructions specific to my boat.

 

[sinnettc]

+1 on Catalina Direct for anything Capri 22 related.

I have the 750 on Verboten.

 

[Richard9547]

Details on the 750 installation:
http://www.boomkicker.com/bk_specs.html#750/1000/1500

And check the price from ted (Boomkicker) before ordering anything.

 

[jepomer]

Check out the boomkicker package from Catalina Direct (http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1649_399/custom-cp-22--2012br-boomkicker.cfm). It includes the spacers and roll-stop fitting. I bought a boomkicker for my last boat (Catalina 22) through them, got the best price plus the tools to drill and tap the boom, and included instructions specific to my boat.

Seoladair Ltd (Boomkicker Mfg) recommends using the K0500 model for the Capri 22. I just purchased one from Defender during their annual Spring sale. Now for the cost savings, I have to determine the correct mounting locations and length of the rods. I enjoy this type of a problem/exercise. Most people don't or don't have enough experience to know if the solution is good or not without making lots of holes.

For those who are NOT engineering-savvy even though you may be handy with tools, I highly recommend purchasing from Catalina Direct. Their pricing is very reasonable considering they also add the needed items specifically needed to complete the installation. One of the management also has a Capri 22. (The only disappointment I had was with the Mast Gates. They were made for the Catalina 22 anyway...)