Barton Boomstrut

[Peter Cockerton]

I did see a mention of this device on an old posting, does anyone have any opinions on these devices, i have in mind to install one primarily to take the load of the boom when i drop the main. My GRP Bayraider main is not gunter rigged. I tend to leave the boat rigged on the hardstanding with the boom attached to the mast and a topping lift to hold the boom up. I also installed lazy jacks to keep the main tidy when dropped. One home made cover keeps the main clean whilst strapped to the boom.

I can't make my mind up whether i would come across any difficult snags on the install, the design seems to overcome de-installation for trailering.

http://www.bartonmarine.com/PDF/Barton-boomstrut-article%20v2.pdf

What other advantages/disadvantages are there on installing this device.

Thanks

Peter

[Julian Swindell]

I have thought about the boom strut, but decided, so far, that it doesn't really offer any more benefits if you already have lazy jacks. They will catch the boom and the sail, and hold them up, so what more is the strut going to do? I think it would work for people who really don't like lazy jacks, as it would hold the boom out of the cockpit when you lower the sail, but it wouldn't catch the sail.

What I don't like is a boom slamming from side to side when the boat is on her mooring. Even more so when I am sleeping in the cabin, when the noise is horrible. I use a boom scissors support to hold the boom still. I am also considering building a permanent boom gallows support over the winter, which will probably horrify Matt, but I think it could be made to look OK

[Peter Cockerton]

I have thought about the boom strut, but decided, so far, that it doesn't really offer any more benefits if you already have lazy jacks. They will catch the boom and the sail, and hold them up, so what more is the strut going to do? I think it would work for people who really don't like lazy jacks, as it would hold the boom out of the cockpit when you lower the sail, but it wouldn't catch the sail.

look OK

Julian

When i first read this i thought why do i bother with a seperate topping lift the lazy jacks should hold the boom, and then it come to me, with the sprit boom the lazy jacks need to be eased to allow the foot of the sail to take its shape. So when the sail is flaked on the boom i take the tack of the reefing hook and lift it to the boom. When i raise the sail i need to ease the lazy jacks and support the boom with the topping lift to take the weight and attach the tack to the hook. So i need a topping lift. I find i need a lazy jack well forward on the boom to catch the largest bulk of the main i.e near the mast. When the main is up i take of the topping lift and hook it on the starboard mast shroud. When it comes to dropping the main you can bet the starboard shroud is the one just to lee so i can't get to the topping lift. So that is why i'm thinking of using the Barton boom strut.

Hope this makes sense to how i do things at present, willing to do differently if i'm missing something but at present this is the best i can think off for solo sailing my bayraider.

PS i have a one piece wood mast and the main is not gunter rigged.

[Julian Swindell]

I think the boom strut could well help you out. I was talking about my Baycruiser where I have a conventional boom and a kicking strap to keep it down. I just tighten the lazyjacks and drop the sail. No need to move sail tacks up or anything. I hate to say it to all those BayRaiders, but a conventional boom along the bottom of the sail does actually make everything very simple. I think that is why so many boats have it.  I agonised for ages over whether to have the sprit boom or a conventional one, and I am very glad that I went conventional as Matt recommended. I am also rather pleased that I  haven't got the self tacking jib, for a whole range of reasons.