I use a BoomKicker on my 17 and love it. I sail in very light 'wind' from time to time and find it most helpful. As an additional rig discussion- I use a split mainsheet (forked) and NO traveler; I am a 'small boat guy' and have a penchant for "rigging" but I also believe simple is easy/fast. With the boomkicker and the split mainsheet I am able to have complete control over the mainsail leech (really mean 'twist'), up to the centerline (I do mean centerline)! I am not really a proponent of the boom being above the CL if it is not needed. This rig affords me that control. Now Gary, just shutup and stop rattlin on. BoomKicker- High praise, simple, well made, includes install. tools(!) effective, inexpensive. No Financial interest, always wear eye protection, seatbelts, and try it at home in the backyard first-it saves undue embarassment. Peace and Love. Gary Oberbeck M-17 #316A "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." --Mark Twain C-21 Arizona Foothills 602 943-7252 Office 602 703-7245 Mobile 800 528-8962 Toll Free www.GaryOberbeck.com