Boomkickers  use two coated solid fiberglass spring rods to provide the force necessary to support the boom and mainsail. The rods are clamped into teflon anodized aluminum end pieces and attached to universal mast and boom fittings.  Fittings are included along with machine screw fasteners, the proper drill and tap and hex wrench. The mast fitting includes a round slide which, used in the luff groove, avoids drilling into the mast. Flat slides in varying widths are available from the factory.  The slides can often be inserted at the sail opening above the gooseneck and slid down reassembling the fitting in position. If slides are not usable, the fitting can be attached directly to the mast using the same drill and tap provided for the boom.  The custom extruded boom track is contoured to fit both round and flat bottom booms. The track has an adjustable clevis pin to set the maximum height the Boomkicker will lift the boom. The track length forward of the pin allows the boom to move higher if needed.

The pictures below show the basic set up of Boomkicker models 500, 750, 800, 1000, 1250 and 1500 with a multipurchase vang.  Models 500 and 750 are identical except for rod diameter, the same goes for models 800 and 1000, and then models 1250 and 1500.

       

When installed, the Boomkicker is straight with the boom  positioned above the usual sailing height. As the mainsheet or vang is tensioned, the Boomkicker flexes smoothly from straight to flexed. The force stays relatively constant as the Boomkicker continues to flex, which helps keep the vang efficient. Each model now includes only two rods of a specified diameter and force. If after installation the force is more or less then desired, optional rods are available either as exchange or for purchase. The more forceful the rods, the more support for the boom but the harder it will be to pull on the vang. In general only about 10 to 15 lbs should be needed to pull the end of the boom down by hand but it depends on your preference. Each 1/16" change in rod diameter equates to approximately 100lbs force at the Boomkicker or about 15 lbs. at the aft end of the boom. Using the boat list is a good way to see what has generally worked best for different boat designs. At their initial length, the rods provide as much as 6 feet of travel at the end of the boom depending on the set up. Within limits the spring rods can be shortened with a hacksaw to fit above the vang, with some loss of range.

The purpose and benefit of the track is to allow the Boomkicker to slide forward if the boom is allowed to raise beyond the Boomkickers' straight position or maximum travel. Sliding prevents the unit or fasteners from being overloaded in tension and used as a vang. Vang tension loads can be as much as 10 times the compression load the Boomkicker needs to support the boom.

                                         BACK TO SPECS

Boomkicker  models 312 and 400 work basically the same as the larger models by flexing as show below, but instead of attaching directly to the boom, a  webbing sling, suspended between the two spring rods, supports the boom. Designed for smaller daysailers, these Boomkickers are easy to install with no drilling or tapping required. All parts fit in the luff groove of the mast. For trailering, the design makes rigging and de-rigging a snap, simply remove the boom and fold the Boomkicker up against the mast for storage. 

The sling, because it does not attach directly to the boom, allows these models to work with the simplest of goosenecks. Even if the boom just slides onto a pin at the gooseneck or can roll, the Boomkicker can not push the boom back or restrict it from rolling around its central axis to follow the sail.

When installed, the Boomkicker is straight and the boom should be positioned above the usual sailing height. As the mainsheet or vang is tensioned, the Boomkicker flexes smoothly from straight to flexed. The force stays relatively constant as the Boomkicker continues to flex, which helps keep the vang efficient. Each model now includes only two rods of a specified diameter and force. However for the model 400, if after installation the force is more then desired, optional rods are available either as exchange or for purchase. The more forceful the rods, the more support for the boom but the harder it is to pull on the vang.  In general only about 10lbs should be needed to pull the end of the boom down by hand.  At their initial length, the rods provide as much as 6 feet of travel at the end of the boom depending on set up.. If needed the spring rods can also be shortened within limits to fit above the vang with some loss of range.

Where both models have webbing slings at the boom end, the mast end for the 312 is made of UHMW polyethylene, a stainless steel mast bracket and luff groove slides of teflon coated anodized aluminum. Sold since 1995, the design has proven extremely durable. The model 400 mast end is all aluminum, basically the same one used on the model 500. Both  also share the same rod diameter so the only difference  or choice is whether you prefer the sling attachment or aluminum track fitting.