Rodkicker boom mount adjustment

[jdrutten]

I was unhappy with my rodkicker performance (couldn’t pull the main down tight) and decided to try changing the mounted position in the boom using the Selden instructions. Turns out it was installed about an inch too far forward. The vang is attached to the boom with a sliding car which fits into a groove in the bottom of the mast. Once in position, the car is screwed tight to secure it to the boom. The original installation has screw holes tapped into the underside of the boom to hold the cat in position. My question is whether the rodkicker really needs tapped screw holes, or if it works well enough using the screws as a set screw, simply snugged up nice and tight against the boom? I rolled the dice and sailed in 20 knot wind yesterday and so far so good. But I wouldn’t want to continue if there was good reason not to. The other option is to cut the rodkicker tube shorter and keep the sliding car in the original position. I’m inclined to use the set screw option but wondered if there weren’t some pros/cons that I was missing.

 

[jdrutten]

After a bit more searching, I found this at Practical Sailor:

And the boom fitting uses three Allen screws for attachment. These can either be tapped into the spar or dogged down for compression attachment.

So at least that’s something. But I still have to wonder, why bother tapping when you can simply dog them down? Tapping just seems a little too permanent. Especially when your tired old mainsail stretches out and the rodkicker slider needs to slide an inch aft!

 

[PaulK]

If dogging down the screws works, you're fine. If it doesn't, you're not. Drilling a couple of holes and using self-tapping screws might take three minutes and avoid problems. If you need new holes later (and maybe just one new hole, if you're moving the fitting that little) you can add them easily and continue to avoid problems.

 

[jssailem]

My opinion, It is all dependant on how you plan to sail your rig.

Day sailing on a lake where 30knt winds and 5ft seas has you at the dock enjoying an adult beverage then the "adjustable" structure is likely to work just fine. It will be easy to remember that tightening the boom kicker now and then is a part of maintenance in the Spring and perhaps late summer or after that thunder storm which chased you back to the dock.

On the other hand, if you have to trust your rig in ocean seas, through a nite of squalls? I would suggest the more assure you can make your boat (like drill and tapping screws in place) then you might sleep a bit more at ease when the 2AM crew shift takes over the watch.

 

[jdrutten]

My opinion, It is all dependant on how you plan to sail your rig.

…

Absolutely! I had my elderly mother out for a sail yesterday and my answer to just about every sailing question she asked was “it depends.”

I definitely fall into the day sailing 30 knots and a cold drink camp. And if I ever venture offshore, it won’t be with my current boat. The distinction between the two scenarios makes good sense.

I’ve had the vang dogged into the boom for about a month now and it’s working great so far.

Thanks for the reply!