Z Spars Boom

[James W]

Hi guys,

I am thinking of upgrading the boom on my Hurley 20 for a Z Spars one, with the benefits of slab reefing, rather than the current boom roller reefing, and generally as an upgrade to an old part.

What do you think? Is this a good upgrade or should I just get the bolt on Barton kit?

Thanks loads,

James

 

[FullCircle]

I had Z spars on my Evo 25, and it worked well.

Now are the cost/function benefit sums holding you up, or some other reason?

 

[Fantasie 19]

Hi guys,

I am thinking of upgrading the boom on my Hurley 20 for a Z Spars one, with the benefits of slab reefing, rather than the current boom roller reefing, and generally as an upgrade to an old part.

What do you think? Is this a good upgrade or should I just get the bolt on Barton kit?

Thanks loads,

James

Let the guys on the Hurley Owners Association know if you do go that route, as there's almost certainly a taker there for the old boom!

 

[James W]

I had Z spars on my Evo 25, and it worked well.

Now are the cost/function benefit sums holding you up, or some other reason?

Just trying to garner opinion from those with experience of the quality and the function benefit really.

They seem good value for the engineering involved, quite impressive really.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

They are certainly an excellent company. They replaced a failed part after 11 years at no cost.

 

[Fantasie 19]

Hi guys,

I am thinking of upgrading the boom on my Hurley 20 for a Z Spars one, with the benefits of slab reefing, rather than the current boom roller reefing, and generally as an upgrade to an old part.

What do you think? Is this a good upgrade or should I just get the bolt on Barton kit?

Thanks loads,

James

I sail a Hurley 20 as well - just for interest can you share the cost of the new boom??? Current one is roller like yours but I may want to go the same the same route at some time..

 

[Dipper]

Is my Z-Spars boom any use to you? http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...efing-boom-2-46-metres&highlight=z+spars+boom

I had an early Hurley 22 with roller reefing for the main and it didn't set at all well. It depends how much you can afford and how agile you are. The bolt on Barton kit (or make your own up) would probably be my first choice. Remember you need reefing cringles fitted to your existing sail (suitably reinforced) and ramshorns at the mast end.

 

[James W]

I sail a Hurley 20 as well - just for interest can you share the cost of the new boom??? Current one is roller like yours but I may want to go the same the same route at some time..

I think they said £270 odd.....I know it's a lot, but it seems quite reasonable for a boom.

 

[[10753]]

Replaced my boom with Z-Spars about 20 years ago for the same purpose, slab reefing - no complaints.

 

[Kelpie]

Another happy Z-Spars customer here- replaced our round section original boom, which had been modified from roller to slab reefing. The reefing system on the new boom works so much better, and we have more confidence in it (a friend's boom on an identical boat snapped, which was another reason to prompt the upgrade).

 

[VicS]

Hi guys,

I am thinking of upgrading the boom on my Hurley 20 for a Z Spars one, with the benefits of slab reefing, rather than the current boom roller reefing, and generally as an upgrade to an old part.

What do you think? Is this a good upgrade or should I just get the bolt on Barton kit?

Thanks loads,

James

I fitted a Barton kit to my Sea Wych boom. An even less expensive option would be to fit the blocks directly to the boom and not bother with the track.

If you opt for this be sure the reefing lines are the same side as the halyard ( unless you lead everything back to the cockpit.) Dont ask!

Pictures below show the Barton kit and some improvised ram's horns.

 

[savageseadog]

A good stiff boom is important to good sailing performance, it's an often neglected area. On beats it keeps good sail shape through gusts and helps to prevent broaches on reaches. The Z Spars stuff is good value and performance.

 

[KevO]

My z spars boom is excellent. Solid, very well built. Recommended.

 

[Fantasie 19]

I think they said £270 odd.....I know it's a lot, but it seems quite reasonable for a boom.

I don't think so - that seems very reasonable to me - if it only lasts 10 years (which is unlikely!) it's only cost you £30/year

 

[alahol2]

Many years ago I bought a Z spars boom kit for a 32ft cat. It was excellent value and performed well. The 'kit' saved a few extra pounds, don't know if they still offer that option.

 

[James W]

Well it looks like you guys are sold on Z Spars, I think i'll be getting my order in!

Thanks to all for the advice.

James