using preventers question

[Rockter]

I use a kicking strap secured to the boom at half way, and run to a loop through the gunwhale.

The boat is a Union EO 36 cutter.

It's awkward to have to walk it to the other side, but I have to accept the disadvantages.

It's absolutely vital when downwind as the very long boom only just clears the back-stay when horizontal and hangs on it if it rides up at all.

[andrewburcham]

I'm using a similar rig as rockter on my Alberg 35 (15' boom) but will be switching over to a boom brake soon.

Question: What happens if you have a properly rigged preventer (boom end to the bow) and you jib? Does the boat broach? Does a wormhole open? Nothing? This question has always terrified me.

[Chuteman]

AB: It' depends how far you gybe..........if you start sailing ie; wave bounce or driver error.....slightly to the lee<20 degrees....you will get away with it......and you could then ease the prevent line via the winch & let the main come over in a controlled manner.......if you keep going blindly thru the wind, at some point the wind will take the main & have it's way with it.......

[sailingdog]

One of the problems with a preventer, as opposed to a boom brake, is that if you broach or gybe the boat, the prevent can cause the boom to be overloaded and may cause the boom to break before it can be released. The other worst case situation is that using a prevent may hurt/injure/kill someone if the preventer line breaks due to the stress on the line in the case of a broach or gybe. This is generally not a problem with a boom brake.

[hpeer]

A while ago I read a short article (in GOB?) about using TWO boom vangs. This guy had rigged them about mid-boom, to the toe rail, and back to the cockpit where he had a pair of jam cleats.

Since I sail solo I wanted to try it. My layout is different. I have a gallows and my wheel is far up against the bridge deck. So I rigged two boom vangs with built in jam cleats to a mid boom bail and then down to the toe rail. Previously I had no boom vang at all, just a traveller fitted at the back of the cockpit. I find that this gives me tons of boom control besides acting as a preventer. By adjusting the various tensions I can put the boom in just about any position I want. Coupled with the traveller it is a good arrangement - for my unique boat set up. To adjust things I loosen the traveller, step on the bridge deck while holding the gallows, and fiddle with the jam cleats. I found myself running dead down wind wing in wing not worrying in the least about a gybe, very refreshing and relaxed. I don't think it would work for everyone.

I had a lot of comments on it. Deffiently not "yachtty". No one actually told me I was nuts or that it was ugly. More along the line of a polite "Ah yes, now I see!" But what the hell, I sail solo and the fish don't mind a bit.

[sailingdog]

Hmm... sounds like an interesting setup...however, the same problem applies to a dual vang setup that applies to normal preventers...if you do accidentally gybe, the vangs can put an undue strain on the boom and you may snap it if you're not careful... with a boom brake, the strain is not as bad, as the boom is still capable of moving, albeit at a relatively safe, much slower rate.