We have a 1986 C22. I find the topping lift a nusance and I am currently thinking about the Boomkicker. My questions are: 1. Is this a good idea or a waste of money? 2. When reefing the main, does the Boomkicker become a problem? 3. Is it easy to install? 4. Is there a competetive product I should also be considering? 5. Any other advice is welcome.
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Gary Bordeaux
Boom Kicker
We installed a Boomkicker on our 84 fin keel. It works great and is worth twice the price. The only thing you have to be careful of is in heavy air you must use your vang or the boom lifts the Boomkicker out of its upper bracket.
We installed a Boomkicker on our 84 fin keel. It works great and is worth twice the price. The only thing you have to be careful of is in heavy air you must use your vang or the boom lifts the Boomkicker out of its upper bracket.
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Gary Clarke
Boom kicker yes or NO...No I say
My last boat was a C22. I also hated the topping lift. so after comparing the boomkicker price, I bought a garhauer ridgid vang. It was cheaper than a rope vang and kicker combo. less junk hanging from the boom and infinitely more effective without the problems of the combo setup.. I loved it. You must get the right size and install it correctly so your pop top clears...I loved it so much as soon as I moved up to a C250, my first addition was a Garhauer ridgid vang.
My last boat was a C22. I also hated the topping lift. so after comparing the boomkicker price, I bought a garhauer ridgid vang. It was cheaper than a rope vang and kicker combo. less junk hanging from the boom and infinitely more effective without the problems of the combo setup.. I loved it. You must get the right size and install it correctly so your pop top clears...I loved it so much as soon as I moved up to a C250, my first addition was a Garhauer ridgid vang.
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Bob F.
Topping lift concern
I agree with your concern on the factory topping lift that is part of the back stay. It only works when you are at anchor or with the main sail down and when you want the boom to remain over the cockpit. I am planning to install a seperate topping lift that attaches at the mast head and think it will eliminate my problems. I have looked at the boom/mast/cockpit top/boom vang situation and feel that a boom kicker would complicate that area of the boat more than I want. My vote is for a new topping lift to the mast head because it can stay attached all the while you are sailing. Let us know what you decide and how it works out.
I agree with your concern on the factory topping lift that is part of the back stay. It only works when you are at anchor or with the main sail down and when you want the boom to remain over the cockpit. I am planning to install a seperate topping lift that attaches at the mast head and think it will eliminate my problems. I have looked at the boom/mast/cockpit top/boom vang situation and feel that a boom kicker would complicate that area of the boat more than I want. My vote is for a new topping lift to the mast head because it can stay attached all the while you are sailing. Let us know what you decide and how it works out.
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Peter
Alternate topping lift
I would be concerned that the "permanent" topping lift you describe, would either affect the shape of the main. Or, if too loose would whip (and potentially damage) the leach (or is it leech?) of the main.
I would be concerned that the "permanent" topping lift you describe, would either affect the shape of the main. Or, if too loose would whip (and potentially damage) the leach (or is it leech?) of the main.
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Bob F.
Permanent topping lift
the permanent topping lift holds the boom at the same height as the pig-tail one off the back stay. The only difference is that by it being attached at the top of the mast, it will allow the boom to swing full scale in either direction where as the pig tail one holds the boom over the boat. You make the adjustment in length at the lower end and use a snap catch similar to the one on the pig-tail. If the main sail is reefed, then it will be necessary to shorten the line to keep the lift from whipping. I always use the currently installed pig tail topping lift when I rig and raise the main. I then un hook it for sailing and then when we finish, I hook it back up to let the main down. The convenience of the proposed one is that after raising the sail, I will leave it hooked up throughout the day until after the main is lowered. I will only unhook it when I am ready to take the boom down. I have a similar setup on my Precision 16 and it never gives a problem whipping. It helps when letting the sail down for the boom not to come down with it.
the permanent topping lift holds the boom at the same height as the pig-tail one off the back stay. The only difference is that by it being attached at the top of the mast, it will allow the boom to swing full scale in either direction where as the pig tail one holds the boom over the boat. You make the adjustment in length at the lower end and use a snap catch similar to the one on the pig-tail. If the main sail is reefed, then it will be necessary to shorten the line to keep the lift from whipping. I always use the currently installed pig tail topping lift when I rig and raise the main. I then un hook it for sailing and then when we finish, I hook it back up to let the main down. The convenience of the proposed one is that after raising the sail, I will leave it hooked up throughout the day until after the main is lowered. I will only unhook it when I am ready to take the boom down. I have a similar setup on my Precision 16 and it never gives a problem whipping. It helps when letting the sail down for the boom not to come down with it.
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Chad W
I say yes
I have a 1980 C22 "Quality Time". It had a boom kicker installed when I bought it. Having sailed other boats with the standard topping lift I also found them to be a pain. The boomkicker is easy to use in all situations. It will support the boom while raising and lowering the sail and while reefing. I do agree with Gary that it needs to be used in conjunction with the vang when the wind builds. It will also somewhat improve light weather sailing by allowing a fuller main. When installing be sure that the attachment point to the mast allows the poptop to open fully. this was a modification I had to make to mine. Good luck and happy sailing.
I have a 1980 C22 "Quality Time". It had a boom kicker installed when I bought it. Having sailed other boats with the standard topping lift I also found them to be a pain. The boomkicker is easy to use in all situations. It will support the boom while raising and lowering the sail and while reefing. I do agree with Gary that it needs to be used in conjunction with the vang when the wind builds. It will also somewhat improve light weather sailing by allowing a fuller main. When installing be sure that the attachment point to the mast allows the poptop to open fully. this was a modification I had to make to mine. Good luck and happy sailing.
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Dick of Sylvan
Topping Lift pros and cons
I use my topping lift which is attached at masthead, much as described by Bob F. If there is a little wind while raising or lowering main, I use the topping lift so that it can swing free unlike if it were attached to the pigtail. When sailing I usually keep it attached to the boom, with a little slack in the halyard. It doesn't whip around as some suggest. Only drawback I see to it then, is that it doesn't look as neat. But it sure is nice if you have to reef or otherwise lower the main quickly. Vanity does get the best of me sometimes when I want it to look real pretty, I'll disconnect it while sailing in fair winds. I suppose the boomkicker would be just as pretty and functional so its sailor's choice! Dick
I use my topping lift which is attached at masthead, much as described by Bob F. If there is a little wind while raising or lowering main, I use the topping lift so that it can swing free unlike if it were attached to the pigtail. When sailing I usually keep it attached to the boom, with a little slack in the halyard. It doesn't whip around as some suggest. Only drawback I see to it then, is that it doesn't look as neat. But it sure is nice if you have to reef or otherwise lower the main quickly. Vanity does get the best of me sometimes when I want it to look real pretty, I'll disconnect it while sailing in fair winds. I suppose the boomkicker would be just as pretty and functional so its sailor's choice! Dick
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Erik
Boomkicker - yes
I use a Boomkicker on my Capri 18. I used the larger than recommended unit (C-22 size) as it uses a solid bracket on the boom rather than the nylon sling on the smaller model. I traded for the smaller rods, though. The Boomkicker is easy to setup and really is great for singlehanded reefing and mainsail lowering. I like as few lines as possible on my little 18 ft-er. On a larger (25 ft ) boat, I'd say a rigid vang is better.
I use a Boomkicker on my Capri 18. I used the larger than recommended unit (C-22 size) as it uses a solid bracket on the boom rather than the nylon sling on the smaller model. I traded for the smaller rods, though. The Boomkicker is easy to setup and really is great for singlehanded reefing and mainsail lowering. I like as few lines as possible on my little 18 ft-er. On a larger (25 ft ) boat, I'd say a rigid vang is better.
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