Sometime back I contacted this forum for opinions on kickers for a 170. First let me say "thank you" to all you great Hunter owners for the information. You guys are the best. I just rec'd my boomkicker and found it comes with two sets of support rods (one set being heavier and thicker). I was wondering if any you that have a kicker have experimented with these and do you suggest one set over the other?
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MJohnson
Boomkicker
OK, I have a stupid question only because I have had boats with a Topping Lift...... What is a boom kicker? What does it do and why choose that over a topping lift?
OK, I have a stupid question only because I have had boats with a Topping Lift...... What is a boom kicker? What does it do and why choose that over a topping lift?
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Rick S.
boomkicker
MJohnson, There's no such thing as a stupid question. A boom kicker is a flexible rod extending from the mast diagonally upward to the boom. It's parallel to the boom vang but serves the opposite purpose -- it pushes up on the boom. Like the topping lift it replaces, it keeps the boom from dropping to the deck when the mainsail is lowered. I don't have one, but I suppose one advantage is one less line aloft. On a mainsail with a roach (a curved leech, with part of the sail extending past the diagonal formed by the tip of the mast and the tip of the boom) a topping lift can interfere with the shape and free movement of the mainsail. This isn't a problem with the 170, since the leech fairly straight and remains "inside" the topping lift. This is not a recommendation or a commercial endorsement, but for a picture and description of a boom kicker, go to the e-catalog at Westmarine.com and do a keyword search for "boom kicker." Good luck.
MJohnson, There's no such thing as a stupid question. A boom kicker is a flexible rod extending from the mast diagonally upward to the boom. It's parallel to the boom vang but serves the opposite purpose -- it pushes up on the boom. Like the topping lift it replaces, it keeps the boom from dropping to the deck when the mainsail is lowered. I don't have one, but I suppose one advantage is one less line aloft. On a mainsail with a roach (a curved leech, with part of the sail extending past the diagonal formed by the tip of the mast and the tip of the boom) a topping lift can interfere with the shape and free movement of the mainsail. This isn't a problem with the 170, since the leech fairly straight and remains "inside" the topping lift. This is not a recommendation or a commercial endorsement, but for a picture and description of a boom kicker, go to the e-catalog at Westmarine.com and do a keyword search for "boom kicker." Good luck.
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Rusty
Boomkicker Reference
Rick, Good explanation. I have attached a link which illustrates and adequately articulates what a Boomkicker is, its purpose and what it looks like installed. I do not have one either, but I think I need one because it looks cool!!! Godspeed, Rusty
Rick, Good explanation. I have attached a link which illustrates and adequately articulates what a Boomkicker is, its purpose and what it looks like installed. I do not have one either, but I think I need one because it looks cool!!! Godspeed, Rusty
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MJohnson
Thanks...another Topping Lift Question
Ahhh..Thanks..looks cool. Question on the topping lift. Don't you normally take the topping lift off and wrap around the mast cleat once underway? Just wondering because of the comment that was made about the topping lift interfering with the mainsail roach. Thanks.
Ahhh..Thanks..looks cool. Question on the topping lift. Don't you normally take the topping lift off and wrap around the mast cleat once underway? Just wondering because of the comment that was made about the topping lift interfering with the mainsail roach. Thanks.
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Dick in MI
removing the topping lift
I personally never remove the topping lift when I'm underway because there's a high probability that I'll forget to re-attach it prior to bringing down the main and then everything will come crashing down on the deck. Particularly in higher, gustier winds I want as few things to worry about as possible when it comes time to quickly lower the main. As it never interferes with my mainsail, I just leave it where it is.
I personally never remove the topping lift when I'm underway because there's a high probability that I'll forget to re-attach it prior to bringing down the main and then everything will come crashing down on the deck. Particularly in higher, gustier winds I want as few things to worry about as possible when it comes time to quickly lower the main. As it never interferes with my mainsail, I just leave it where it is.
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Rick S.
boomkicker portability?
George O., Can you tell us the model number of the boom kicker you chose, and what size boat you're installing it on? For the benefit of those of us who trailer sail and are striving to reduce our setup/takedown times: can the rod in the boom kicker be removed from the sockets quickly and without tools? How far do the sockets project from the mast and boom? (Aside to Rusty: it's gotta fit inside that nifty homemade PVC holder you use to transport your boom!) Do the sockets appear sturdy enough or flexible enough to survive the inevitable bumps that trailer-sailors inflict on our rigging?
George O., Can you tell us the model number of the boom kicker you chose, and what size boat you're installing it on? For the benefit of those of us who trailer sail and are striving to reduce our setup/takedown times: can the rod in the boom kicker be removed from the sockets quickly and without tools? How far do the sockets project from the mast and boom? (Aside to Rusty: it's gotta fit inside that nifty homemade PVC holder you use to transport your boom!) Do the sockets appear sturdy enough or flexible enough to survive the inevitable bumps that trailer-sailors inflict on our rigging?
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Rusty
Bookicker Model K0400
Rick, The proper size for the 170 is the Boomkicker Model K0400. As for portability, the following is a direct quote from the Boomkicker site referenced below. I have no personal experience with one, and to be honest, what follows I just learned the other day. Apparently, the Model K0400 does not affix into a permanently mounted base on the boom. Read the quote and reference the site for more information. "The two sketches below show the basics of Boomkicker models 312 and 400. They work the same as the larger models, but instead of attaching directly to the boom, a nylon sling, suspended between the two spring rods supports the boom. Since the sling does not attach directly to the boom it can not push the boom back off a gooseneck pin or restrict the boom from rolling around its central axis to follow the sail. This design also makes rigging and derigging a snap for trailersailors. Simply remove the boom and fold the Boomkicker up against the mast for storage. The other great feature of the sling is it totally avoids having to drill and tap. The sling is positioned by a line to an eye located under the gooseneck. All parts fit in the luff groove of the mast" Reference: Boomkicker Web site, Models and Specs Section. Hope that helps. As for MJohnson, I always untie the topping lift from the boom once the main is up. This decreases the wear on the sail (or so I have read). Dick is correct as this does cause one to do a little forward planning prior to dropping the main. At times I still forget to reattach the topping lift line and drop the darn boom into the bottom of the boat. Damn near took my daughters ear off one day doing it. I guess it is up to the Skipper as to whether the hassle is worth the effort and potential additional wear. Happy easter all!! Godspeed, Rusty
Rick, The proper size for the 170 is the Boomkicker Model K0400. As for portability, the following is a direct quote from the Boomkicker site referenced below. I have no personal experience with one, and to be honest, what follows I just learned the other day. Apparently, the Model K0400 does not affix into a permanently mounted base on the boom. Read the quote and reference the site for more information. "The two sketches below show the basics of Boomkicker models 312 and 400. They work the same as the larger models, but instead of attaching directly to the boom, a nylon sling, suspended between the two spring rods supports the boom. Since the sling does not attach directly to the boom it can not push the boom back off a gooseneck pin or restrict the boom from rolling around its central axis to follow the sail. This design also makes rigging and derigging a snap for trailersailors. Simply remove the boom and fold the Boomkicker up against the mast for storage. The other great feature of the sling is it totally avoids having to drill and tap. The sling is positioned by a line to an eye located under the gooseneck. All parts fit in the luff groove of the mast" Reference: Boomkicker Web site, Models and Specs Section. Hope that helps. As for MJohnson, I always untie the topping lift from the boom once the main is up. This decreases the wear on the sail (or so I have read). Dick is correct as this does cause one to do a little forward planning prior to dropping the main. At times I still forget to reattach the topping lift line and drop the darn boom into the bottom of the boat. Damn near took my daughters ear off one day doing it. I guess it is up to the Skipper as to whether the hassle is worth the effort and potential additional wear. Happy easter all!! Godspeed, Rusty
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Brian
Boom kicker rods
I installed a boom kicker on my 170 recently and am very pleased with it. At the same time I replaced the stock boom vang system with an 8 to one boom vang. Now, if I want to put some twist in the sail, I can release the boom vang and the boom kicker will put upward pressure on the boom and add the needed twist to the sail. If I am sailing as close to the wind as possible with the main sheeted in as far as possible, the boom kicker need the larger rods in order to have enough lift to raise the boom. It works great. Because I mostly and sailing alone, it was impossible to adjust the topping lift when I needed to. I have left the topping lift attached just incase I need it for some reason.
I installed a boom kicker on my 170 recently and am very pleased with it. At the same time I replaced the stock boom vang system with an 8 to one boom vang. Now, if I want to put some twist in the sail, I can release the boom vang and the boom kicker will put upward pressure on the boom and add the needed twist to the sail. If I am sailing as close to the wind as possible with the main sheeted in as far as possible, the boom kicker need the larger rods in order to have enough lift to raise the boom. It works great. Because I mostly and sailing alone, it was impossible to adjust the topping lift when I needed to. I have left the topping lift attached just incase I need it for some reason.
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George O
Transprting mast with boomkicker
I just installed the boomkicker on my 170 this afternoon. Although reassembling the mast brackets when dealing with the fixed gooseneck was interesting....I am very pleased with the quality of the product. As far as removing the rods for transportation, this is not needed becasue the whole unit can be removed very easiliy if need be & since the boom rests in the kicker and is not attached, I intend to lash it to the mast for trasporting. I've got to tell you, I am looking forward the comvenience and sail tuning opportunity.
I just installed the boomkicker on my 170 this afternoon. Although reassembling the mast brackets when dealing with the fixed gooseneck was interesting....I am very pleased with the quality of the product. As far as removing the rods for transportation, this is not needed becasue the whole unit can be removed very easiliy if need be & since the boom rests in the kicker and is not attached, I intend to lash it to the mast for trasporting. I've got to tell you, I am looking forward the comvenience and sail tuning opportunity.
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