Boom setup

[slowtype]

I am having a difficult time figuring out how to set the boom on my 1987 catalina 22. Mine seems really low, how do I know what height to set it at? Do I need a boom vang? It seems to be in the way when raising the cabin top. Are there any tricks for keeping the boom out of the way when not sailing?

I have the owners manual, but it is vague.

Any pictures would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jfrench]

I have an '86 model and there's no conflict between the boom and the pop top. I did a search using Google images and found the two attached pix in under 5 minutes, you can probably find better ones. See the previous post about the Catalina manuals and look at the '87 manual attached.

 

[drock10]

what I did was just raise my sail and made sure it it was pretty much at the top of the mast, then right under the boom I put a locking screw so it would stay there and not drop down when the sail wasn't raised. It is just above my pop top when i raise it up, i also have to raise the vang when I pop the top. I also use a topping lift on mine, some people don't use them but if i have to drop sail real quick i don't want to get waked on the head lol so the pic is of my boat i don't have any close ups sorry if i am out at the marina tomorrow i will get one close up

 

[Bilbo]

I am having a difficult time figuring out how to set the boom on my 1987 catalina 22. Mine seems really low, how do I know what height to set it at?

The boom needs to be low enough that the sail can be fully raised with a flat luff.
From the C22 org:
"The new-style boat has a shorter mast; therefore the lower band must be placed so the top edge of the band is at least 3 feet 3 inches above the mast step." and

"the point of intersection of the top edge of the boom with the aft edge of the mast shall not be below the upper edge of the lower measurement band."

This means that the top of the boom shouldn't need to go below 3' 3" above the cabin top. My boom is set so that there is that limiting screw in the mast slot just a tad below 3'3" and this way my mainsail can be set with the headboard a tad below the top of the mast. The downhaul cleat is about 6" below that.

Do I need a boom vang?

You really should have one. Find information about the vang so that you understand what it is used for. It helps to 'flatten' the sail or it allows twist. Knowing what these things are is important for your sailing safety.

It seems to be in the way when raising the cabin top. Are there any tricks for keeping the boom out of the way when not sailing?

I attach the pigtail on the backstay to the back of the boom when the mainsail is not raised.
I also have a Boom Kicker which is a fiberglass spring to keep the boom up. See Jfrench's 2nd photo in his above post. That white arm is the Kicker. My setup is very much like that photo but I have no use for that compass ;-)
Some people use a topping lift .....a Simple line from the top of the mast to the back end of the boom that is tied when you aren't sailing..... but the Boom Kicker works better and does a few other things.

If you have a boom vang, you may need to loosen it when not sailing or when raising the cabin top it has to be very loose to get it out of the way.

As a safety suggestion, Be careful with that cabin top. The locking device isn't 100% effective....& don't have the cabin top in the raised position when you're sailing.

 

[slowtype]

Thanks for the tips. I like that boom kicker set up.
I was able to take it out today and raise the sail, the setup made a lot more sense.

Do you connect the main sail tack directly to the gooseneck with the tack pin? Or should I use any intermittent hardware, shackles?

The boom end casting is shaped and worn like it has some purpose. Does it?

 

[Bilbo]

The tack pin in the gooseneck goes directly through the tack grommet.

If you have an outhaul with sheaves then the mainsail foot can be stretched.
So, some do buy something like this: http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=490&ParentCat=29

The boom end casting is shaped and worn like it has some purpose. Does it?

I don't think so but when the outhaul is pulled and cleated really tight, the mainsail foot will have less draft. (Less baggy) and this can make the boat go a bit faster or prevent it from heeling too much. That foot is sort of like a heavy duty bungee cord but most people can't really pull that hard without the sheaves.They give you a 4:1 purchase (advantage) .

It may be that that end casting on the boom is rounded so that "when" it hits your head it's not sharp edged.