Frequently
Asked Questions
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- Can the Boomlock be used as a boom brake ?
- Where do the ends of the preventer line
go ?
- How is the Boomlock fitted to the boom ?
- How far back along the boom does the Boomlock
go ?
- Can I fit the Boomlock myself ?
- Can the Boomlock stand up to
lots of punishment on ocean crossings ?
- If I have to go forward, how can I get
past the preventer line ?
- Are there any other uses for the Boomlock
?
- Can the Boomlock be used on multihulls
?
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| Can the Boomlock
be used as a boom brake ? |
With Boomlock
Two, the answer is yes. Pulling the control line
to its full extent (about 10 cm.) locks the boom. Releasing
it slowly allows the boom to swing under braked control.
On Boomlock
One , the operation is different. On this model,
which is only fitted to smaller yachts, you pull the control
line to release the lock. This lock is either ON or OFF,
and there is no intermediate position which allows braking.
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| Where do the ends
of the preventer line go ? |
As far outboard as possible and approximately in lateral
line with the aft lower shroud chain plates. Existing shroud
deck attachment U-bolts can sometimes be used, if they are
not too far inboard. Aluminium toe-rails can provide suitable
attachment points. Or it may be necessary to install new
through-deck U-bolts and backing plates.
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| How is the Boomlock
fitted to the boom ? |
There are two different types of mounting, depending on
whether or not the boom has an underside track. If it has
(and mountings are available for most popular boom types)
our TYPE A mounting is used.
This is split into two halves, so that it can be inserted
anywhere in the boom track, and there is no need to disturb
any other mountings or end caps already fitted in the track.
There is an alternative TYPE
B mounting for booms without tracks, or with tracks
for which we cannot supply the right size of TYPE
A mounting. This mounting can be easily shaped to fit
the boom, and then pop-riveted to it with Monel rivets.
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| How far back along
the boom does the Boomlock go ? |
The best position is usually just aft of where the kicker
or vang attaches to the boom. The fitting instructions give
a formula, dependent on the width between the ends of the
preventer line, which calculates the optimum location.
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| Can the Boomlock
stand up to lots of punishment on ocean crossings ? |
Yes, as proved by many users around
the world. It is engineered to best practice for marine
equipment and is very strongly built of top quality 316
stainless steel and anodised aluminium, insulated where
necessary against electrolytic corrosion. Apart from washing
off accumulations of salt crystals it needs no maintenance.
It carries a 2-year warranty.
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| If I have to go
forward, how can I get past the preventer line? |
You would be going forward along the windward side of the
boat, and the preventer line is slack on that side. If you
are clipped to a jack-stay, you can unclip the carbine hook
which is used to attach that end of the preventer line,
to get past. The other end of the preventer line will remain
clipped, so the Boomlock will still be protecting
you against the possibility of a gybe.
This is one of the many advantages that the Boomlock
has over other preventers which have to use preventer line
tension for control, which means that it cannot be unclipped
at either end without losing gybe protection.
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| Are there any other
uses for the Boomlock ? |
Yes. It is very useful in light airs
or if you are motorsailing, because you can lock the boom
in any position and then keep it from slatting by hauling
in on the main sheet. This method is also useful when you
are stowing the mainsail, as you can lock the boom on the
centre line.
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the questions
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| Can the Boomlock
be used on multihulls ? |
We do not like to recommend anything that is not backed
by our own experience, which does not include multihulls.
Consequently at the present time we recommend the Boomlock
only for monohulls.
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