To Boomkicker or not

[closehaul]

I am not a racer and single hand mostly- so I rig for easy handling. Used the boom kicker a few times but the topping lift is easier for me (not a racer). As for the boom vang, it is only needed when reaching and when single handing was a hassle going forward to adjust. When reaching, I use ‘genoa track slides’ on the outer tracks and move the mainsheet attachment from the pedestal to the outboard track slide (a snap shackle makes it easy to move). Gives me a little better sail shape because it is pulling more downward plus the advantage of limited preventer function (and no destructive load on pedestal if ‘accidental gibe’). Again, I am not a racer. Closehaul

[Gordo]

I am not a racer and single hand mostly- so I rig for easy handling. Used the boom kicker a few times but the topping lift is easier for me (not a racer). As for the boom vang, it is only needed when reaching and when single handing was a hassle going forward to adjust. When reaching, I use ‘genoa track slides’ on the outer tracks and move the mainsheet attachment from the pedestal to the outboard track slide (a snap shackle makes it easy to move). Gives me a little better sail shape because it is pulling more downward plus the advantage of limited preventer function (and no destructive load on pedestal if ‘accidental gibe’). Again, I am not a racer. Closehaul

This is exactly what I was gonna say. I have one, will change to a topping lift as soon as that reaches the top of the to-do list!