JEFF_H HELP

[KIKO]

Jeff,
Please help me with this one.

I''ve almost been hit (ant to that matter my small son, too) by a speeding boom, when downwind. Fortunetely no harm done!! (so far).

A friend told me to get a boom brake or boom "spring" that helps keep the boom steady, depending on tension.

Does it work !!

Please

[Jeff_H]

I have never used a boom brake or been on a boat that did. I understand they work well. When cruising or daysailing, I personally try not to go dead downwind finding that broad reaching yields a more comfortable motion, better VMG, and has a greater margin of safety. As a helmsman, when sailing deep, I especially try to come up slightly onto a higher point of sail when people are moving around the deck.

For long close to downwind passages, I rig preventors on both sides of the boat lead from the end of the boom to a turning block close to the bow and then back to the cockpit. I use a light stretchy line of this purpose so as to no strain anything in an accidental jibe.

Jeff

[JohnDrake]

The "Boom Brake" is made by Dutchman and can be found in just about every major boating store for about $300. They are very easy to install.

I agree with Jeff about sailing downwind and while a preventer is the choice of many sailors, I don''t really like them, in some situations. To rig a preventer, you have to go up on deck (sometimes this is not desireable) and, in confused wind situations, they may need a lot of attention. Once, a friend was using one and it whipped back and forth and cracked the glass in one of his ports.

If I were to get something, I think I would try the Boom Brake first.

Hope this helps.

[KIKO]

Thank you both.

I''m going to try that next Monday.

Will let you know

KI KO

[KIKO]

I found a similar boom brake.

Boom Stay, page 83 March 2002 Sail magazine.

AK