Boom Kicker

[Langg]

Hello everyone, i am new to the board and to MacGregors
We just purchased a used faster blue 2003 . However
it does not have a topping lift. I would like to go with a boom
kicker but not sure where to purchase one. We live in Nashville
Tennessee, not known for its great sailing so there are not many
stores in the area..anyone know of website, or even what size
i would need or would you reccomend something different.

Thanks in advance

[c130king]

Click on the "ONLINE CATALOG" that is on the left side of your screen.

Jim

[Langg]

my bad!! Thanks

[c130king]

I personally use a topping lift. So I have no specific opinions on a boomkicker.

Jim

[Kelly Hanson East]

Got the boomkicker and love it.

[ALX357]

I like having ALL 4 installed and available .... need different combinations depending on situation and need.

topping lift - positively holds the boom from dropping when under downward pressure.

boomkicker - keeps the boom from dropping on its own weight, (crew safety and deck damage prevention)

backstay hanger line - even if the mainsheet is stowed below, or just not rigged, will keep the boom from swinging around.

boom vang - intended use sailing control, and prevents the boomkicker from coming apart if boom tries to lift too much.

might try a jibe"preventer" also....

[hmb-barry]

FYI:

I have a topping lift and boomkicker - and use them both - for sightly different purposes.

A topping lift is fairly easy to install - only needs a block at the mast top and an optional cheek block on the mast bottom to lead back to cockpit if desired.

The boomkicker is a straight forward installation - not too complicated. Order one from one of the advertisers on this forum (one has a much better price than the others) as they get ones specially assembled for the M26 - all measurements are calculated and included and the rods are pre-cut and assembled - ready to install. You can leave the boomkicker attached to the mast when taking the boom off.

Barry L.
HUNERZ
Half Moon Bay, CA

[Wind Chime]

We have a the following four items for the boom control;

1. Boomkicker - keep the boom off the dodger when the mainsail is down.
2. Backstay Hanger Line - similar to the boom kicker but more to stop lateral boom sway when motoring, or at dock/anchor.
3 Boomvang - used for downwind sailing to keep the boom from lifting and twisting and changing/de-powering the sailshape.
4. Preventor - line thats tied to the end of the boom and to a foredeck block so the boom does not accidentaly gybe when sailing down wind wing-on-wing.

[Moe]

We had a very simple topping lift on the 26X, probably installed by H&S. It was Dacron line, maybe 1/4", tied to the same bolt at the top of the mast as the backstay on one end and had a clip to fasten to the same eye strap as the clew outhaul on the port side of the boom. When underway, it was long enough to "fly" behind the mainsail roach. To shorten it, I'd wrap it either counterclockwise under the boom to take up 1/2, 1-1/2, 2-1/2 circumferences of the boom, or clockwise to take up 1, 2, 3 circumferences of the boom. I think Bill at Boats4Sail uses this method for his topping lifts.

We tried the C-18 with just the pigtail on the backstay one season and will definitely have a topping lift this year!