Installation Instructions – Boomkicker® Model K0312
Recommended Installation Tools: Phillips Screwdriver, Fine Tooth Hacksaw.
1. General: The Model K0312 Boomkicker is designed for sailboats under 17′ (5m) who’s boom, with sail, weighs under 16 lbs. (6.8kg). To the right is a sketch of the Model K0312. The Boomkicker comes fully assembled. Two fiberglass rods provide the force to support the boom. The boom sits in the sling between the rods and is held by a line to the gooseneck stop installed directly under the boom gooseneck. The length of the line controls the initial height of the boom. As shown, the Boomkicker works by flexing and when straight, it is at the top of its travel. Note that the Boomkicker does not restrict the boom from rising higher.
2. Installing Mast Bracket and Gooseneck Stop: The Boomkicker works best if the boom gooseneck is fixed in one spot on the mast. If the gooseneck can slide, then in the normal sailing position with the sail up, place a mark on the mast, indicating the lowest point of the gooseneck (Include any portion inside the luff groove). Then remove the boom. Using the sail opening in the mast, first slide the mast bracket down to the vang bail, do not tighten. Next slide the top of the gooseneck stop to the mark and tighten. Re-insert the boom against the stop. If the gooseneck is fixed to the mast, the slides can be detached, slid past the gooseneck and reassembled in position.
3. Final Positioning: Using the main halyard, lift the aft end of the boom 6″- 8″ (15cm – 20cm) above horizontal or the normal sailing level. Orient the Boomkicker so the two screw heads on the base are facing downward or aft, and the sling loop for the line is forward. If the Boomkicker fits in the area above the vang, hold the sling around the underside of the boom and adjust the mast fitting location to make an angle between 40° and 45° with the boom. The sling line should be loose and is adjusted later. If the angle is much lower than 40°, then as the spring rods flex, they lose ability to hold the boom. Tighten the bracket in position. If the Boomkicker is too long or the angle too low, it can be cut down. Shorten the bottom of the rods (loosen two small screws in base to pull the rods out) equal lengths of no more than 5″ (13cm). A fine tooth hacksaw works best. Before tightening the base screws, confirm the rods are pushed all the way in and the Boomkicker labels are out.
4. Final Adjustments: With the gooseneck against the stop, adjust the line between the sling and gooseneck stop so the sling supports the boom. Since some initial stretch can be expected under load, slightly over tighten. Disconnect the halyard from the boom and press the boom down to test the force. Rods should flex freely upward and have enough support for the boom and mainsail without sagging.
5. Boomkicker Orientation: The Boomkicker produces the same force flexing up or down. Flexing down allows the rods as they flex to better capture the boom in the sling. A benefit for installation at low angles. If necessary as the rods flex down, vang lines can run between them. To flex down, leave the mast fitting as is, unpin the Boomkicker from the swivel, flip position so small screws in base are up, then pull the sling off the rods and reposition so line and loop are forward. Make sure rods are well set in sling pockets.Questions? Email us at info.tylaska.com or call (860) 572-8440
|
