Jim, Bloviate to your hearts content - I think it sounds GREAT! but you are NOT being pompous about your opinion, Take Care Have Fun Go Sailing. GO In a message dated 4/26/2010 12:45:13 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, picfo@comcast.net writes: Gary, I think it's a Dwyer DM-6 section, and I believe their masts are 6061 Aluminum. The "ears" didn't actually bend, but they would spread open - then snap back shut without any permanent distortion. I'm pretty sure the mast is properly tempered (or whatever they do to it) because machine screws hold very well. By the way, you didn't come across as either 1,2,3, or 4 of your last paragraph. You came across as an experienced sailor who disagreed with my (admittedly sketchy) criticisms. Wow... two opinionated sailors disagreeing with each other? Something tells me we aren't the first. And as far as relegating the Boomkicker to racing applications: Don't take my racing vs. cruising bloviating too seriously. Gear that turns me on quickly becomes "essential for cruising" while products I feel indifferently about tend to get tossed into the "racing gizmo" category. Speaking of products - I have a lot of respect for small manufacturers Like Dwyer, IdaSailor, and Boomkicker (and Sage Marine). They're run by hard-working folks with ideas and calluses. I'm sure these guys could make a lot more money by churning out fiberglass camper shells, or making some dopy widget for golfers. Instead, they've chosen to create a high quality product for a handful of us. Probably because they're sailors themselves. Having said that, I still reserve the right to be an opinionated bloviator. Jim M17 "Spirit" On Apr 25, 2010, at 5:54 PM, GILASAILR@aol.com wrote:
Jim,
I think I see what you are referring to. The mast bracket attachment is - spreading the sail track and allowing the lower mount to come out of the mast?? I can't recall what shape piece is used for the nut inside my track - I seem to remember a piece of tapped aluminum rod maybe 1/2" in diameter - will have to check.
I wonder if the mast section is of correct temper if the track 'ears' were bent apart by the forces of the fitting?
What 'Dwyer' type section (I assume) is the one that is being used or was used on your boat or the most current?
I have used the Boomkicker on my original Jerry Montgomery/MacG style mast extrusion and on my current Ballenger section - never had that issue. The newest mast is of harder temper (probably not the proper terminology) but the old one was T-3 and the new one is T-6 don't recall the alloy numbers.They are the same.
I don't understand why you would relegate the use of a Boomkicker to a racing application? I have pretty much 'raced myself out' cept for chasing Jerry, Stan and Eldor around! Or Point to Point racing. My reasoning for cruising usage is the same for racing - less windage - less weight aloft - less tangle when it comes to reefing or raising/ lowering sail. I find it a simple and elegant solution.
Don't worry about "rephrasing". I can't write my way out of coffee can and so often come off as 1. - a smart ass. 2. Jerk. 3. Know it all. 4. Effete snob. I sometimes appear less than diplomatic but don't really mean any harm! It is that my writing skills suck!
BTW - I do NOT make my living selling this stuff anymore - I am a retired MIP per USSailing.
Take Care, Have Fun, Go Sailing!
GO
In a message dated 4/25/2010 10:14:50 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, picfo@comcast.net writes:
Gary, What I meant by "popping out" was that the slide clamp that sits inside the mast groove would actually spring the mast open enough to... well... "pop out" ( this was on their "0400 model"). Remember that different M17 model years used different mast sections. What works on a Jerry Montgomery era mast might not work on my 2007 model mast. I'm not condemning the Boomkicker for this because I believe they make different fittings that will resolve this issue.
To the question; "What is the benefit of a track mount?" My answer is a an assertive; "I dunno." If it's not too late, I'd like to replace the phrase; "get the optional track mount." with; "get the proper fitting for your mast."
My point is this: If you do get a model 0400 Boomkicker and install it on your late-model M17, be careful because the stock fitting may spring your mast groove open and "pop out". If this happens I recommend you talk to the Boomkicker people and discuss what fittings they have that can resolve this issue.
My overall opinion is that the Boomkicker is a well built product and, if I raced on a regular basis, would definitely consider it again. But, for my style of sailing a topping lift is simpler and better.
Gary, anytime someone gets on this list serve and criticizes a product they should certainly be expected to describe the circumstances and clarify their opinion. Thanks for the opportunity.
Jim M17 "Spirit"
On Apr 25, 2010, at 1:46 AM, GILASAILR@aol.com wrote:
Jim,
I have been using a Boomkicker for about 13 years and never had an issue with the item being anything but reliable.
I sounds like you may not have had enough 'preload' in your rods to keep it engaged. I find the product to be elegantly simple and reliable as a stick. What is the benefit of the track mount ?
Best part of the Boomkicker- as I get a bit older (what did I do with that...?) the Boomkicker is at deck level if I forget to connect it- not at the masthead!
I am a subscriber to K.I.S.S. and "stick and stone technology" when possible.
GO
PS to the list - I got to spend some quality time with Stan 'Paint Boy' Susman this afternoon and got to see the new yacht! Go Stan!!!
In a message dated 4/23/2010 10:51:08 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, picfo@comcast.net writes:
If you do get a Boomkicker get the optional track mount. The slug fitting just pops out of the groove. They seem to be pretty well constructed otherwise. I still sent mine back after it popped out a few times (K.I.S.S.)
Jim M-17 "Spirit"
On Apr 23, 2010, at 7:33 PM, <htmills@zoominternet.net> <htmills@zoominternet.net> wrote:
Has anyone mentioned a boomkicker or similar (http:// www.boomkicker.com/) as another option?
Depending on how the boat is used, it may prove to be a better option (or not) to a topping lift.
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Gary M Hyde Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 10:29 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Sage Marine
Haul in the rear reef line as you lower the sail. Then you don't need the topping lift. I did it a lot on my M15. The topping lift might be better though.
--Gary Hyde 2005 M17 #637 sailboat 'Hydeaway 2'
On Apr 23, 2010, at 5:54 PM, Joe Murphy wrote:
I agree. I can't see in my minds eye how to reef without securing the toping lift first. If not, how do you keep the boom up when you drop the sail?? Joe M17 Seafrog ----- Original Message ----- From: eisenee@aol.com To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 3:23 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Sage Marine
You still need that topping lift when reefing and shaking the reef out. Eldor
-----Original Message----- From: ndorf@surfbest.net To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Thu, Apr 22, 2010 3:39 pm Subject: Re: M_Boats: Sage Marine
Plus, Sal, with a backstay you can do away with the need for a opping lift if you have a spliced-off section to hook the end of the oom onto just while setting up and taking down.
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