Boom brake

[[2574]]

I don’t really understand the need for a boom brake. I use the main sheet as a boom brake - before gybing I centre the boom, then gybe, then ease out fast on the mainsheet. How does a boom brake do a better job? Maybe just to slow down accidental gybes, but isn’t that what a preventer is for?

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

A preventer will prevent an accidental gybe. A boom Brake will slow down and stop/control an accidental gybe

 

[Supertramp]

I don’t really understand the need for a boom brake. I use the main sheet as a boom brake - before gybing I centre the boom, then gybe, then ease out fast on the mainsheet. How does a boom brake do a better job? Maybe just to slow down accidental gybes, but isn’t that what a preventer is for?

Here is my first attempt at a preventer - still working on the best way to rig it. It stops a gybe but also the crashing of the boom in lighter winds. I used old stretchy climbing rope to reduce the shock loads on the boom and cleat.

 

[Tintin]

I don’t really understand the need for a boom brake. I use the main sheet as a boom brake - before gybing I centre the boom, then gybe, then ease out fast on the mainsheet. How does a boom brake do a better job? Maybe just to slow down accidental gybes, but isn’t that what a preventer is for?

I've never remembered to centre the main sheet and pull it in hard when I'm accidentally gybing

 

[ashtead]

I invested in a boom brake earlier this year but haven’t yet had chance to use in anger -was thinking it would be helpful when running with headsail poled out goosewinged in summary

 

[Formidavel]

Hello from Portugal,
I have a steel Van de Stadt 34 and I use the Walder boom brake very often. When I gibb the boom goes slowly from one side to the other. Of course I have to give it the right tension.

 

[[2574]]

I invested in a boom brake earlier this year but haven’t yet had chance to use in anger -was thinking it would be helpful when running with headsail poled out goosewinged in summary

Completely understand the thinking but don’t understand why it’s better than a preventer.....

 

[DJE]

Completely understand the thinking but don’t understand why it’s better than a preventer.....

Some would say because it's permanently rigged I suppose - no need to go up on deck.
I took one off my boat because it was permanently rigged and permanently obstructing access along the side decks.

 

[[2574]]

Hello from Portugal,
I have a steel Van de Stadt 34 and I use the Walder boom brake very often. When I gibb the boom goes slowly from one side to the other. Of course I have to give it the right tension.
View attachment 120924View attachment 120925

Welcome to the forum, thanks for the photos. Nice boat and great backdrop In the first photo!

 

[ashtead]

I had always thought a preventer was permanently fix ie a line which keeps the boom end on one side but the boom brake a make of which is helpfully shown in post#6 slows down the travel but allows it . We have a winchard version I think but the different types such as Walder are helpful demonstrated on utube by pip hare in case of interest.

 

[[2574]]

I had always thought a preventer was permanently fix ie a line which keeps the boom end on one side but the boom brake a make of which is helpfully shown in post#6 slows down the travel but allows it . We have a winchard version I think but the different types such as Walder are helpful demonstrated on utube by pip hare in case of interest.

I think that’s right, it seems to be just a matter of whether one manually controls the boom with the mainsheet or whether one relies upon an “automatic“ control from a boom brake.

 

[glynd]

Here is my first attempt at a preventer - still working on the best way to rig it. It stops a gybe but also the crashing of the boom in lighter winds. I used old stretchy climbing rope to reduce the shock loads on the boom and cleat.

I believe it is not recommended to fit a preventer mid- boom, but only on the end.
This is due to the uneven forces on the boom, and the potential to snap in the middle.

 

[ashtead]

Yes -our main sheet is generally permanently fixed to winch drums each side so you don’t play as you would perhaps on a smaller rig but I think a brake is just simpler for many it seems

 

[[2574]]

I believe it is not recommended to fit a preventer mid- boom, but only on the end.
This is due to the uneven forces on the boom, and the potential to snap in the middle.

I’ve read that too which always makes me wonder why it’s okay to fit a boom brake at the kicker attachment point mid boom - surely the loads are the same as fitting a preventer mid boom and therefore carry the same risk?

 

[ashtead]

I guess the difference ,but I’m no boom engineer, is that the brake slows down the traveller so no hard stop ?

 

[Moodysailor]

A preventer is a "hard stop" - it physically prevents the boom from coming across. Some say these are OK to rig mid-boom on smaller boats, but the preference is always from the end of the boom (and must be done on larger boats). If the boom accidentally dips in the water the loads can be so high that a mid-boom preventer will snap the boom.

A boom brake is usually permanently rigged (or at least permanently attached to the boom) and serves to slow down & control the movement of the boom. It does not 'prevent' a gybe, it only limits the rate of travel of the boom.

Each have their advantages and disadvantages. We went with a preventer, we attached a permanent strop from the end of the boom that runs to the kicker attachment point with a loop in the end that we connect to a snap shackle on the preventer line. This means we can rig it quickly and stay inboard at all times. The preventer line is lead back to the cockpit as it may need to be let fly in a hurry.

 

[ashtead]

Yes our boom brake device is permanently rigged without the line mid boom . Just hook the rope through if going goosewing option with poled out larger headsail.

 

[Snowgoose-1]

Tried using one of those climbing with two openings but easy to trip over lines. Praps a helmet when big winds behind you..

 

[[2574]]

Tried using one of those climbing with two openings but easy to trip over lines. Praps a helmet when big winds behind you..

It’s not personal injury risk that is foremost in my mind, it’s a crash gybe bringing the mast/rig down.

 

[Supertramp]

I believe it is not recommended to fit a preventer mid- boom, but only on the end.
This is due to the uneven forces on the boom, and the potential to snap in the middle.

Thanks - I agree and am working out the best way to lead the ropes.

The mainsheet already goes from mid boom but with several attachment points. I will stick with stretchy rope but use a bridle and/or block off the toe rail. Using the boom end is not great once the boom end is beyond the boat edge unless the line is led well forward. I think the main benefit has been in lighter winds when the boom can crash about. On a run the main does little and for a long trip I can use twin head sails.