retrieveing outhaul line from boom

[kevara]

In heavy wind, with a too-taut outhaul the line pulled from the boom cleat and was drawn into the boom. Any advice on how to retrieve i? Bruce

 

[RON20406]

In heavy wind, with a too-taut outhaul the line pulled from the boom cleat and was drawn into the boom. Any advice on how to retrieve i? Bruce

Kevara, there are three ways to do this: 1.) try to retrieve it with an electrical snake through the side of the boom in the access port. You might have to take the plastic insert out. 2.) Try to snag it with the snake from the boom end and push it towards the access port and, when visible, fish it out with a piece of wire or perhaps a pick with a sharp twisted end (ie;stuffing box pick)or 3.)drastic engineering: remove the boom end cap by drilling out the pop rivets, removing the end cap and reconnecting your outhaul. Of course, you'll have to tap threads in the boom and caps to reassemble with stainless bolts and lock washers. In any case, unless you're lucky, it won't be fun. However, since the outhaul does not have to be exceptionally tight in strong winds, why not rig a line from the clew on your leech to the end of the boom cap and loosen or tighten it depending on wind strength and save the project for the Winter/off-season. This is one very good reason why I do not like internal reefing/lines in the boom. Good Luck, Ron

 

[ddoles]

Another approach is to remove the boom from the boat and stand it up vertically. The line will then dangle and you should be able to retrieve it. You may need to remove the plastic insert for better access. This is a good off season job if it can wait.