Suggestions for new kicker please

[LORDNELSON]

I would like to replace the kicker on my Southerly. The existing one is old (probably18 years) and relies on a slider fitted inside the bottom of the boom. Would like to obtain one that works more efficiently and provides a greater rise and fall of the outside of the boom. Many thanks for any replies.

 

[woody001]

what boom and mast you got?
You got fully battoned mainsails?
- if so you may need to insert a strong spring/gas chamber.

 

[LORDNELSON]

Woody,Selden metal boom, fully battend mainsail,

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I have just fitted a Seldon rod kicker with heavy duty gas strut to a V34 which works well, also fully battened main.

 

[LORDNELSON]

Peter, Thanks, what sort of cost is involved?

 

[rudolph_hart]

Depends who you get it from. Those I looked at included Easykick (Dutch), Z-Spars (the least expensive) and Sailspar Brightlingsea (who do the French system).

I used Sailsapr. They will know your boat and will recommend. Both of mine needed Gas Spring versions, which are more expensive. You might get away with the s/steel coil spring version. They will also provide fittings at boom and bottom swivel, but usually not the running rigging (but I re-used existing).

Fitted one to last Dehler 34, cost about £320. Fitted one to current Dehler 35, cost about £420.

 

[LORDNELSON]

Rudolph, Thank you; I have started by sending a query to Sailspar. Will see what advice they offer.

 

[michael_w]

Personally, I think solid kickers are the invention of an evil imp.

Drawbacks;

Can't get the boom on the deck when you want to set the trysail.

In any seaway, makes flaking the sail very difficult, as the boom bounces all over the place increasing the risk of some one going in the drink.

Expensive.

Invariably the purchases are not man enough. Usually a weedy 4:1 if you are lucky. My Enterprise has 32:1 by comparison.

Topping lift always handy as a spare halyard. Especially in a fractionally rigged boat, where only the main halyard goes right to the top.

Advantages:

Cruisers think they look "cool".
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif