Boom brake

[[2574]]

Although I can't see how a brake fitted at the end of the boom would work.

The stern of the boat isn't wide enough to form a sensible shaped triangle with the boom out on a downwind position. It would just replicate what the mainsheet does as far as I can envisage.

Indeed, so we’re back to using the mainsheet to manage the mainsail through a controlled gybe and a preventer to prevent an uncontrolled gybe. Thread conclusion seems to be that a boom brake serves no purpose other than for those who wish a gybe to be controlled without needing crew intervention - perhaps ideal for solo sailors.

 

[Chae_73]

Here's the Pip Hare test video, which is quite interesting although she's testing the different methods / products in more or less a flat calm.

Interestingly, with the Walder product you can do away with your vang / kicker altogether, and it will also hold the boom in place if you have it tensioned up.

Which does also pose the risk that if you are not managing the rope tension, the boom will be pinned at the kicker attachment point with potentially a large load on it. Possibly leading to the adverse consequences noted upthread! This seems less likely with the Wichard product.