What holds up the boom?

[warren631]

Please help a newbie! I have tried to use the correct terminology in my question.

I just bought a 26D and am going through the MacGregor instruction manual step by step to set the boat up. I raised the mast - no problem. I attached the furling jib (replaces the forward support wire) - no problem. I attached the boom to the mast at the goose-neck - no problem. I inserted the bottom of the mainsail into the slot in the boom and tied the mainsail bottom rear tight to the cleat at the aft end of the boom. I attached the mainsheet to the boom through the pulley system to the traveller. I attached the main halyard to the top of the mainsail and I started feeding the mainsail into the slot at the bottom of the mast. I haven't tried to fully raise the mainsail yet.

The boom is now attached to the mast at one end (goose-neck) and the other (aft end) of the boom (with the mainsail and mainsheet) is lying down in the cockpit. My question is simple - what holds up the aft end of the boom when the mainsail is not raised? There is no mention in the MacGregor instruction manual of any wires going from the top of the mast to the aft end of the boom to hold the boom up when the mainsail is not raised. Is the aft end of the boom supposed to just rest in the cockpit when the mainsail is down? I want it up above my head and out of the way. Is this standard or a mod?

Thanks for any help.

[kadet]

As standard from the factory nothing except the main sail when hoisted. Aftermarket you can fit a topping lift, which is a line from the aft end of the boom to the top of the mast or a boomkicker or rigid vang which is a semi-flexible rod from the bass of the boom to the bottom of the mast. Google the terms will give lots of info and photos

[Highlander]

U need to get a stiffer boom !

Just sayin that,s all

J

[NiceAft]

I am tempted to say sildenafil citrate , but I won't.

Either a topping lift, or a BoomKicker.

Ray

[Highlander]

I am tempted to say sildenafil citrate , but I won't.

Either a topping lift, or a BoomKicker.

Ray

J
no need to be bashful !

[Russ]

Topping lift is simple. Run a line from the top of the mast to the end of the boom. Use 2 clips, one up higher to get the boom out of your way and one lower while under sail.



--Russ

[mrron_tx]

I am tempted to say sildenafil citrate , but I won't.

Either a topping lift, or a BoomKicker.

Ray

LOL and rename the boat big blue

[warren631]

Thanks kadet and RussMT for your adult replies. MacGregor's chief designer:- "Let me try to understand this. So you don't want the boom falling on top of you each time you lower the mainsail?".

[warren631]

Is there any way I can add a topping lift without lowering or climbing the mast? Could I attach a clip and line from the end of the boom to the backstay when I lower the mainsail or would this put too much weight on the backstay?

[Spector]

Is there any way I can add a topping lift without lowering or climbing the mast? Could I attach a clip and line from the end of the boom to the backstay when I lower the mainsail or would this put too much weight on the backstay?

My 'topping lift' is simply a length of 1/8" cable about 2' that is clamped to the backstay and a snap hook that clips to the boom. When not in use I just clip the free end to the backstay to keep it out of the way.

[NiceAft]

Thanks kadet and RussMT for your adult replies. MacGregor's chief designer:- "Let me try to understand this. So you don't want the boom falling on top of you each time you lower the mainsail?".

Hey!

I said topping lift or boomkicker What else is there.

Ray

[sunshinecoasting]

Is there any way I can add a topping lift without lowering or climbing the mast? Could I attach a clip and line from the end of the boom to the backstay when I lower the mainsail or would this put too much weight on the backstay?

My 'topping lift' is simply a length of 1/8" cable about 2' that is clamped to the backstay and a snap hook that clips to the boom. When not in use I just clip the free end to the backstay to keep it out of the way.

Ditto to this on my I dont know if it was a factory idea or a PO that did it but it works well, the only downside is that it causes the backstay to rub on the rear of my bimini when bimini is up and boom is hooked up. Release the boom and the back stay stops rubbing. Just one other thought, sometimes when I am not using my bimini or if i want to use a boom tent i just pop the mast stay back in the console (the one you use while trailering) and rest the boom in that. Only works on an though.

Hope this helps. Dennis.

[Catigale]

Thanks kadet and RussMT for your adult replies. MacGregor's chief designer:- "Let me try to understand this. So you don't want the boom falling on top of you each time you lower the mainsail?".

Roger..."you can add anything that reduces the cost of the boat"

No problem clipping the boom to back stay.

[Russ]

Is there any way I can add a topping lift without lowering or climbing the mast? Could I attach a clip and line from the end of the boom to the backstay when I lower the mainsail or would this put too much weight on the backstay?

Many owners do it that way. It will work fine.
However, lowering the mast on the Mac is pretty simple compared to most boats.

The reason I prefer a topping lift is that it supports the boom when I lower the main sail. This allows me to tighten the main sheet to hold the boom in place while I secure the sail to it with ties. I don't want the boom on the deck with people in the cockpit. The "locked" in place boom gives me something to hold on to while tying down the sail.

Boom on the deck, not good.

--Russ

[warren631]

Thanks for the useful replies.