jibe preventer

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Mike

For Hunters 29 to 32': what kind of jibe preventers are appropriate? Anybody using the Boom Brake? Any ideas on how to prevent accidental boom swings?
 
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Matt Picaro

Mike

I usually run a line around the end of the boom ( bowline with the other end through), then run it up around the forward cleat and back to one of the jib winches.I let the main sheet out and take in the preventer line. Then tighten on both ends and go. My Vision 32 goes like stink as the main is so large! Matt
 
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Paul

Great Topic -- here's a link to the Dutchman

Someone said "the boom is the most dangerous thing on a sailboat, except perhaps the liquor cabinet." I have been considering installing a Dutchman boom brake (see the related link for more info). However, it seems like a simpler and therefore more reliable method is just to do up something like Matt described. One thing in the Dutchman's favor, is that it works in "set it and forget it" mode as a brake. The only time you have to adjust it is if you want to use it as a preventer, too. I've been running lines to the forward cleats like Matt, and this weekend I am going to try the midship cleats. If that works out, I'd like to put blocks on the deck near the chainplates, and run the line from the mid-boom to the blocks, then back to the cockpit.
 
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Dennis

Vang

I disconnect the vang from the mast and clip it to the toe rail - works great.
 
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Robert Pugh

We put a Dutchman Boom Brake on our Hunter 380 this year. It does the job very well, but it cost us over $1,000 with all the additional lines and blocks that you need. Their recommended line size was too small to effectively use it as a brake so I had to buy a larger line (ca ching) and redo the sheets. It is also always sitting there as another sheet to release and deal with. I would use the ideas previously presented. They worked for me, but my wife got worried about an accidental jibe, etc. I think it depends on the type of sailing you want to do.
 
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David Foster

Vang, but

I use the vang to toerail trick, too. But the preventer should run from the end of the boom, so I am thinking of putting a snap shackle on the boom end of the vang so I could shift it to the right place. David Lady Lillie
 
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Paul

Middle of the boom doesn't work?

I shackle the vang to the toerail when I'm chartering a boat that has a toerail, unfortunately, the boat I own doesn't. I'm not sure that the preventer HAS to lead from the end of the boom. The Dutchman brake is attached just behind the vang, and it is supposed to be an effective preventer when appropriately tensioned. The reason (for leading to the boom end) would be to reduce the possibility of breaking the boom, right?
 
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David Foster

End of Boom

gives better leverage, and is less likely to stress the boom. The primary issue with a preventer is catching the boom end in a wave - the forces can get pretty high. I use the vang trick mostly in lighter weather, though. David
 
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Bill O'Donovan

How to prevent boom swings

1. Sail on more of a broad reach than downwind. You're just asking for trouble when you're "in the lee." You'll also go faster. 2. When you go to gybe, sit with your back to the cabin door and pull in the main halyard as you turn. By the time you're fully downwind, have the main completely straight. As you gybe, simply let it back out. Painless.
 
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