Boomstrut or Rod Kicker?

[FullCircle]

I am thinking of getting either a boomstrut or a rod kicker. Has anyone got the good or bad on this?

Whilst the topping lift is adequate of course, I just want to be a bit lazier than I am already.

 

[Matrosen]

Shurley it's easier to send SWMBO to workout classes then convince her that working the boom " Is only for you welfare, dear heart."

 

[truscott]

I have just put a Barton Boomstrut on my Limbo 6.6 (I believe you are familiar with Limbo's). It's been quite fiddly to optimize its setup, however does seem to be doing a grand job. One downside, it requires a lot of tension on the kicker (at least mine does) and also results in needing a lot of grunt to release the mainsheet. A bit more tuning in terms of the positioning of the bracket on the mast may sort this out.

First day out, we scored a 1st against a mixed fleet on line and IRC. Whether this was down to the boomstrut, I'm not sure (I was ready to rip it off after the first tack!). Fiddling with it has definitely made it easier to deal with.

One note, set it up temporarily before drilling the holes in the boom. Once they're in, you can only move the mast bracket if you need to adjust it. And, if you need to trim the rods, you're better off with a few mm at a time rather than 10's of mm. Common sense probably, but...

Hope this helps.

Cheers, PT.

 

[Gin]

I agree with all you've said about the Barton Boomstrut- quite fiddly to set up.

However I like it as I find it easy to control on my boat plus if I need to I can scavenge the main which you can't do with a rod kicker.

 

[rudolph_hart]

Fitted them to 2 previous Dehler 34s (which were raced) and current Dehler 35 (which is cruised only).

Benefit is one less bit of string to tend (& go to mast to do so?) when reefing - especially if you use single line reefing. Also, no slack line flopping around, slapping the leech while sailing.

Downside is loss of 'emergency' main halyard, but this is a moot point as topping lift is usually thinner than main halyard.

I found that any with a coil spring just aren't strong enough. Our current one has 2x gas springs, and needs them when heavy rolling occurs when the main is not hoisted. The already-tight mainsheet then acts as a 'downhaul' when the boom thrashes from side to side. In severe cases, the boom could hit the top of the sprayhood. A boom-end to backstay line could prevent this, though.

I used Sailspar in Brightlingsea. Very helpful and reasonable prices.

Hope this is useful.

 

[thalassa]

In a Dutch sailing magazine from about 1 1/2 yrs ago, the Barton boomstrut came out best, compared to various - and much more expensive- kickers. Haven't got the mag anymore, I'm afraid.
I'm thinking about going the same way, as my Selden kicker is a lame duck now...

 

[SQUIRRELS]

Just ordered a Selden Rodkicker. Was it necessary, no. But, for reefing and better sail shape/trimming in light airs, I was persuaded. It also looks the part /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Vara]

Mail Speed in this months PBO are advertising Barton struts.

Looks a pretty good price to me!

 

[FullCircle]

Ah, I was conversing with Dave S on Sunday. He offered me a locals price a smidge below the fabulous offer.
I think I may be erring towards a Sailspar Sparcraft thing.