Barton boomstrut.

[Gin]

Thought I had asked this question already, but can't find any trace of it so here goes again- with apologies if you have come across it elsewhere.

I am thinking of installing a boom strut to help mainsail shape/assist reefing and the Barton fibre glass product seems a good idea.

Does anyone have any first hand expereince of using one of these e.g. does it maintain spring tension over a long period or does it wilt after a season or two, is it strong enough for its purpose, etc

Any views gratefully received

 

[mikebees]

I have fitted one to my boat and very pleased so far.
If you are interested I have posted comprehensive notes and photos on the site: Beneteau First 210 Org. This is the US website for owners of First 210s and 211s

 

[alahol2]

Can't find that website, could you paste the proper URL please?

 

[philip_stevens]

Alan,
try http://first210.net/

or
http://first210.net/technotes/boomkicker.html

 

[Gin]

Thanks to Mikebees for the input, looks good and so long as the mast end will be compatible with my spar I shall give it a try.

I hadn't realised, and I very much like, that it was possible to scandalize the main with a strut- so that is definitely a plus point.

My boat is 7.86m, which is marginal for choosing the small model or the next one up. Without knowing how much trimming of the rods is necessary do you have a thought on which to choose?

 

[mikebees]

I would be inclined to go for the 6-7.5m version as, when I was fitting mine, I started to get a bit anxious at the amount I was having to chop off (doing it in 10mm increments). I used a cheapo spring weighing thingy to get it right.

 

[Gin]

Yes, I think being at the upper end of the scale is probably best too; so the smaller model is the one.

I don't yet understand about the spring weighing thing but I do use a small fishing spring balance to gauge the amount of gas left in the bottle for cooking- do you think when the time comes that is the right item to do what you did?

 

[alahol2]

Thanks Philip, very informative. I can feel a winter project coming on.

 

[mikebees]

Yes, a Spring Balance was the term I should have used.
Somebody has just posted pics of the Z-Spars strut on the Yahoo site. I like the look of this as it uses the existing fitting on the boom but I suspect it costs twice as much as the Barton strut.

 

[davidwf]

The ZSpars Vang is £164 plus Vat not sure how much a Barton costs.

 

[mikebees]

The 6-7.5m Barton Boomstrut is £118 (including VAT) from Mailspeed.

 

[Gin]

I think the Barton( up to 7.5m) will cost about about £120. as Mikebees says, but thanks for the input.

 

[dickh]

My friends have fitted one on a Contessa 28 and are very pleased with it. Can't tell you which model though.

 

[Gin]

Just got a very helpful response from Barton(Paul).

Recommends 44020 model which is the same one as you fitted. Has given me some advice on effort needed to deflect the strut and if it proves to be the next size up needed then offers to exchange the fibre glass rods( as long as they are unmodified) for the appropriate ones- the only difference in the models being the length an diameter of the rods.

Super support- a "no lose" situation

Problem solved, thanks to everyone especially Mikebees

 

[surekandoo]

Fitted one a fortnight ago. Found the fitting instructions quite straightforward and I was fortunate enough to be able to move the kicking strap attachment on the boom, so I could experiment with the best place to fit the boomstrut attachment.

Didn't get the strut length quite right first time, so had to cut another 12mm or so off.

When originally considering fitting one, I found the people at Barton very helpful.

Generally very pleased, but time alone will tell.