I was wondering whether or not any small boat owners have installed a boom kicker on a H216 or similar snall boat and if so what their experience has been with it. I was thinking that a boom kicker would make is easier to reef the main as you would'nt have to tie off the topping lift. Comments? Gary
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Boom Kicker on H216
I have a boom kicker on my H216 and find it very convenient when taking the sail down and for reefing. This is especially true when I have to do either by myself.
I have a boom kicker on my H216 and find it very convenient when taking the sail down and for reefing. This is especially true when I have to do either by myself.
Answer - What is a boom kicker
See the attached link for description and pictures of boom kickers.
See the attached link for description and pictures of boom kickers.
Should be standard
One of the best additions I've made to the boat - just be careful and don't release the vang completly off the wind.
One of the best additions I've made to the boat - just be careful and don't release the vang completly off the wind.
Rigid Vang Option
You might also consider a rigid vang. Garhauer Marine (www.garhauermarine.com) has a line of reasonably priced ones. I have had one on my H-26 for over 5 years and it's great. Garhauer is one of the OEM suppliers to Catalina, among other manufacturers.
You might also consider a rigid vang. Garhauer Marine (www.garhauermarine.com) has a line of reasonably priced ones. I have had one on my H-26 for over 5 years and it's great. Garhauer is one of the OEM suppliers to Catalina, among other manufacturers.
Garhauer Rigid Vang
I'm considering installing the rigid vang. For those of you with a H26/260 how did attach the vang to the mast and boom? Drill & tap? Rivets? T-track? When the cabin top is propped open, does it interfere with the vang? How did you rig the control line back to the cockpit? Any photos? Thanks Ross
I'm considering installing the rigid vang. For those of you with a H26/260 how did attach the vang to the mast and boom? Drill & tap? Rivets? T-track? When the cabin top is propped open, does it interfere with the vang? How did you rig the control line back to the cockpit? Any photos? Thanks Ross
Vang
I installed a Garhauer rigid vang on my H240 a few seasons ago. Great addition as original vang could not be adjusted under load during a race. My 12 year old now does adjustments to the vang with one hand. Just eliminating the toping lift is worth it. I installed my vang by drilling and tapping the boom. I installed a sail track (if requested sent free) on the mast. To trailer I detach it from the sail track and leave it attached to the boom. I also ran the vang aft using the cheek block and line stopper on the port side used for the jib halyard. I moved the block for the jib halyard a few inches up the mast to get it above the forestay and cdi furler unit. I installed a horn cleat on the mast for the halyard. I use the halyard for a cruising spinaker and mast raising. Works great.
I installed a Garhauer rigid vang on my H240 a few seasons ago. Great addition as original vang could not be adjusted under load during a race. My 12 year old now does adjustments to the vang with one hand. Just eliminating the toping lift is worth it. I installed my vang by drilling and tapping the boom. I installed a sail track (if requested sent free) on the mast. To trailer I detach it from the sail track and leave it attached to the boom. I also ran the vang aft using the cheek block and line stopper on the port side used for the jib halyard. I moved the block for the jib halyard a few inches up the mast to get it above the forestay and cdi furler unit. I installed a horn cleat on the mast for the halyard. I use the halyard for a cruising spinaker and mast raising. Works great.
Cabin top
I does interfere with raising the hatch. I cut arms for the hatch an inch. This could be a problem if you have the canvass camping package. I dont and it wasn't a problem.
I does interfere with raising the hatch. I cut arms for the hatch an inch. This could be a problem if you have the canvass camping package. I dont and it wasn't a problem.
I have a "kicker" on my 26.5. It's a great addition. A vang is needed when off the wind, to keep the kicker hooked to the boom, but that's a good time to tighten the vang anyway.
Rik
Rik I'll be glad to post a picture but it's going to be a couple weeks. Next few weekends tied up with travel soccer.
Rik I'll be glad to post a picture but it's going to be a couple weeks. Next few weekends tied up with travel soccer.
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