Boom kicker for an M

[RRice]

Has anyone installed on on an M

[Tom Spohn]

On advice from our dealer we skipped the boom kicker, which we had found very useful on our previous X. In practice the topping lift works very well to keep the boom up out of the way. We did install the vang, but find it almost completely useless if it is installed with the lines leading aft. Pulling on the vang line from the cockpit pulls the back of the rotating mast to Starboard which defeats the purpose when on a starboard reach. (wind over the starboard) We tried to use it with the line just run straight back along the deck to the dodger. It could be tightened this way, but could not be loosened without going on deck. I am currently thinking of a way to run the line over blocks to the back of the boom where it could be cam-cleated and accessible from the cockpit. I asked Cheryl of BWY what she did as she is recognized as a good sailor with several racing prizes to her credit. She replied that the traveler was adequate to control sail shape, and now she doesn't even mount the vang.

[Richard Lisch]

I use the BoomKicker on my M and as Tom mentioned came to the conclusion that the boom vang doesn't improve performance much on the M. In practice the BK works better than the topping lift to keep the boom out of the way when motoring. I am very happy with my sail handling using also a SailCaddy and all lines led to the cockpit including the one line reef system from Harken.

[RRice]

I appreciate your input. I am a new to sailing and my wife and I are still trying to find the best way to do things without making to many mistakes. This forum has been the best help we could ask for. I think I am going to get the Kicker since we do a fair share of motoring. We keep R ISLAND in a marina on the ICW and generally have to motor for around 45 minutes to an hour to get to the ocean or the St.Johns River. So anything that makes the trip easier is appreciated. Thanks again for your help. Robert

[normo]

Bought my boat used and when I saw it had a boom kicker I was impressed. After one outing I removed it and it now resides in the garage.

The reason I took it off was safety. When I'm moving around on the boat I like to have one hand on something that can provide some support in case I lose my balance. We were getting ready to hoist the main and we ran through a wake when I was steadying myself on the boom. I put some pressure on the boom and down it went with me in tow. That was enough for me. All this to get rid of that little line that I don't like interefering with the flow over the sail. How silly.