What size boomkicker?

[Clay Babcock]

500 or 750? Both look 'in the zone' and differ only in rod diameter.

thx

[Travis Gregory]

I'll see if mine has a number or I can measure the diameter.  The bigger one  might be nice if someone leaned on the boom, they would get a bit more support. The smaller one should be fine for the weight of U20 boom and main.

[Clay Babcock]

I'll see if mine has a number or I can measure the diameter.  The bigger one  might be nice if someone leaned on the boom, they would get a bit more support. The smaller one should be fine for the weight of U20 boom and main.

Thx. That's what I figured. The crew is pretty much trained not to rely on a Boomkicker supporting them. Like all things; the lightest one that does the job.....

[Mike Reyes]

I inquired to the company last year. Here is what I got:

Hello Mike,

Thanks for considering the Boomkicker! The U20 model K07U20 is shortened a couple of inches to better fit the area above the vang and it has specific installation instructions, but otherwise it's a standard model K0500. It should support the boom with mainsail flaked on top. Price from us is $217 with free ground shipping.

Assuming the mast track stops above the gooseneck, the Boomkicker mast bracket can be attached direct to the mast using the drill and tap included. The loads are relatively light compared to the vang. Some customers with carbon masts have epoxied a block to the mast then screwed the bracket to that to avoid drilling into the mast itself. If you have internal access you could drill through and use the included slide as a backing plate.

Let me know if I can help further. No matter where you get it feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Ted Corlett

[Clay Babcock]

I inquired to the company last year. Here is what I got:

Hello Mike,

Thanks for considering the Boomkicker! The U20 model K07U20 is shortened a couple of inches to better fit the area above the vang and it has specific installation instructions, but otherwise it's a standard model K0500. It should support the boom with mainsail flaked on top. Price from us is $217 with free ground shipping.

Assuming the mast track stops above the gooseneck, the Boomkicker mast bracket can be attached direct to the mast using the drill and tap included. The loads are relatively light compared to the vang. Some customers with carbon masts have epoxied a block to the mast then screwed the bracket to that to avoid drilling into the mast itself. If you have internal access you could drill through and use the included slide as a backing plate.

Let me know if I can help further. No matter where you get it feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Ted Corlett

Winning! Thx Ted for the intel.

[Robert Homer]

I ended up removing my Boomkicker, I trailer sail and when the keel is lifted you have to swing the boom over or remove the kicker as the keel plate will cut into the Boomkicker rods and damage them quite easily. I didn’t see the point of it other than to keep the boom out of the cockpit when motoring etc. Just watch out when raising your keel or your rods will need replacing quite often.

[Travis Gregory]

I am with Robert.  I did put mine back on for a light air race last year and I gouged it when raising the keel. 

[Tim Fox]

Don't use one. The only advantage I see is when raising or lowering the main.