Boom Brake/sizing

roywmoss · #1 08-28-2007

I am interested in any opinions and experiences concerning boom brakes. My main is 210 s.f., moderate displ. sloop.
Has anyone been dissatisfied and removed the device and why?
For the Dutchman brake, will "sizing-up" reduce the tension required so as to eliminate the need for winch or tackle?
Thanks to anyone taking the time to reply.

sailingdog · #2 08-28-2007

Roy-

I have the Dutchman on my boat, and went with it instead of the Scott Boom Lock primarily due to price and availability. In terms of functionality, both the Scott Boom Lock 2 and the Dutchman Boom Brake are comparable. There was a thread located here, where the two are discussed pretty thoroughly...

roywmoss · #3 08-29-2007

Thank you Sailingdog. Yours looks like a clever installation.

sailingdog · #4 08-29-2007

Thanks... BTW, I would highly recommend not "bolting" the boom brake attachment point in initially, but setting it up so that you can vary it a bit, until you find the proper point for it. I did this by using a line to hold the boom brake padeye in the track at a specific point, and then lengthening or shortening the line until I got the proper position for it. Only after that did I drill the holes and screw the padeye in place.