Why does my boom creak?

Sans Bateau

Sans Bateau

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I get a creaking noise from the joint between the boom and the mast, not whilst sailing, or not that I notice. But whilst sitting on my berth with the boat just gently moving the creaking starts, usually just after I've put my head down!

I've tried greasing the pin and washers, I've now cleaned them and left them dry with nylon/metal/nylon, but still get a creaking noise, what is it???
 
Re: Why does my boom creek?

We had a similar creaking and found it was the bottom kicker bracket. Took it apart, gave it a good fettling, reassembled and all ok.
 
Re: Why does my boom creek?

[ QUOTE ]
We had a similar creaking and found it was the bottom kicker bracket. Took it apart, gave it a good fettling, reassembled and all ok.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point - I usually squirt this too!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Re: Why does my boom creek?

[ QUOTE ]
We had a similar creaking and found it was the bottom kicker bracket. Took it apart, gave it a good fettling, reassembled and all ok.

[/ QUOTE ]

Found the same source of the noise when I forget to take the tension off the kicker.
 
Re: Why does my boom creek?

Because it's not adequately lashed, and is therefore wearing out the gooseneck! Its the sound of overpriced metal being tortured.
 
I thought that was where the creaking noise on mine came from and greased it, to no avail. I have a boom vang (the type with a very stong spring inside a tube) and the creaks actually come from that. Now the problem is finding out how to get it apart and get some grease into it.
 
I thought my creak was between boom and mast, but after lots of checking (usully in the dark after bedtime!) I traced it back to the outhaul where it ran over the roller at the aft end of the boom: any slight swing in the boom was enough to create a real racket by the time the noise reached the mast.
 
i had the same sort of thing happen, and i could not find the problem, until one day the gooseneck slid down the track, as one of the bolts holding it tight came loose, just as i was leaning against the boom sipping a cup of coffee chating to the people on the next berth.

Coffee all over me and the boom had moved with me falling over it, but once it was all bolted up the noise had gone...

so maybe check the gooseneck is secure on the track if you have it fitted on a track..
 
Spray lube designed for sail slides works wonders on all this tye of stuff and can be spayed on blocks hinges etc. Combination of silicone and teflon as a penetrating spry. It is safe if it gets on sails and being a 'dry' lube does not pick up dirt or rub off onto other stuff like greese does. Available from riggers of chandlers, bit expensive but lasts well.
 
Yeh, I have some dry lube, I think that will be the solution. I like the other ideas and can understand the thinking, but all I can say is, "been there, done that"!
 
One things for sure Steve,it will only creak when its very quiet and your just about to nod off.

I remember a very quiet night in my old Hurley at anchor on my own just coming over peacefull then the kettle started rocking on its misshapen base on the cooker. Got up cursed laid it on a bunk back in the bag. Alls well more cooker noises,back out removed the complete pan holder assembly back to bed. Third time no sense of humour now threatened it with a hammer then stuffed towels clothes etc into every possible bit of noise making cooker. Result slept the sleep of the just. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Odd thing is it never did it again,must have taken my threats seriously /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
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