Manufacturer part #: K0312
The Boomkicker model K0312 works basically the same as the larger models by flexing as show below, but instead of attaching directly to the boom, a webbing sling, suspended between the two spring rods, supports the boom. Designed for smaller daysailers, these Boomkickers are easy to install with no drilling or tapping required. All parts fit in the luff groove of the mast. For trailering, the design makes rigging and de-rigging a snap, simply remove the boom and fold the Boomkicker up against the mast for storage.
The sling, because it does not attach directly to the boom, allows these models to work with the simplest of goosenecks. Even if the boom just slides onto a pin at the gooseneck, or can roll, the Boomkicker can not push the boom back or restrict it from rolling around its central axis to follow the sail.
When installed, the Boomkicker is straight and the boom should be positioned above the usual sailing height. As the mainsheet or vang is tensioned, the Boomkicker flexes smoothly from straight to flexed. The force stays relatively constant as the Boomkicker continues to flex, which helps keep the vang efficient. Both the gooseneck eyestrap for the line and the mast fitting have standard a 3/8" diameter slide to fit in the luff groove and avoid drilling. 1/2" diameter is also available. The length of the line positions the sling along the boom and determines the initial boom height. The gooseneck eyestrap also serves as a stop if the gooseneck slides in the luff groove. Only one rod diameter is available for this model. In general only about 10lbs should be needed to pull the end of the boom down by hand. At their initial length, the rods provide as much as 6 feet of travel at the end of the boom depending on set up. If needed the spring rods can also be shortened within limits to fit above the vang with some loss of range.
Where both the K0312 and K0400 models have webbing slings, the mast end for the 312 is made of UHMW polyethylene, a stainless steel mast bracket and luff groove slides of teflon coated anodized aluminum. Sold since 1995, the design has proven simple and extremely durable.
The Boomkicker model K0312 works basically the same as the larger models by flexing as show below, but instead of attaching directly to the boom, a webbing sling, suspended between the two spring rods, supports the boom. Designed for smaller daysailers, these Boomkickers are easy to install with no drilling or tapping required. All parts fit in the luff groove of the mast. For trailering, the design makes rigging and de-rigging a snap, simply remove the boom and fold the Boomkicker up against the mast for storage.
The sling, because it does not attach directly to the boom, allows these models to work with the simplest of goosenecks. Even if the boom just slides onto a pin at the gooseneck, or can roll, the Boomkicker can not push the boom back or restrict it from rolling around its central axis to follow the sail.
When installed, the Boomkicker is straight and the boom should be positioned above the usual sailing height. As the mainsheet or vang is tensioned, the Boomkicker flexes smoothly from straight to flexed. The force stays relatively constant as the Boomkicker continues to flex, which helps keep the vang efficient. Both the gooseneck eyestrap for the line and the mast fitting have standard a 3/8" diameter slide to fit in the luff groove and avoid drilling. 1/2" diameter is also available. The length of the line positions the sling along the boom and determines the initial boom height. The gooseneck eyestrap also serves as a stop if the gooseneck slides in the luff groove. Only one rod diameter is available for this model. In general only about 10lbs should be needed to pull the end of the boom down by hand. At their initial length, the rods provide as much as 6 feet of travel at the end of the boom depending on set up. If needed the spring rods can also be shortened within limits to fit above the vang with some loss of range.
Where both the K0312 and K0400 models have webbing slings, the mast end for the 312 is made of UHMW polyethylene, a stainless steel mast bracket and luff groove slides of teflon coated anodized aluminum. Sold since 1995, the design has proven simple and extremely durable.
| Boomkicker Model | Suggested Boat Size | Initial Pin to Pin | Minimum Pin to Pin | Maximum Force (1) | Stroke | |
| Initial (2) | Min. (3) | |||||
| K0312 | 14 - 16" | 30" | 25" | 75 lbs | 11" | 6" |
| K0400 | 16 - 19" | 34" | 26" | 150 lbs | 11" | 6" |
| K0500 | 16 - 20" | 36" | 26" | 150 lbs | 11" | 6" |
| K0750 | 20 -25" | 36" | 31" | 250 lbs | 11" | 6" |
| K0800 | 25 - 27" | 45" | 35" | 30 lbs | 15" | 6" |
| K1000 | 27 - 30" | 45" | 41" | 400 lbs | 15" | 6" |
| K1250 | 30 - 34" | 53" | 43" | 500 lbs | 16" | 9" |
| K1500 | 34 - 38" | 53" | 49" | 600 lbs | 16" | 9" |
2. Maximum stroke at initial Pin to Pin
3. Maximum stroke at min. Pin to Pin. Stroke is travel when flexed. 1" of stroke equates to approximately 7" at the aft end of the boom.
* Uses webbing sling at boom instead of track fitting.
Manufacturer part #: K0312
Recommended Installation Tools: Phillips Screwdriver, Fine Tooth Hacksaw.
1. General: The Model K0312 Boomkicker is designed for sailboats under 17' (5m) who's boom, with sail, weighs under 16 lbs. (6.8kg). To the right is a sketch of the Model K0312. The Boomkicker comes fully assembled. Two fiberglass rods provide the force to support the boom. The boom sits in the sling between the rods. The sling is held by the line to the gooseneck stop and controls the initial height of the boom. The mast fitting and stop use slides in the luff groove to avoid drilling. As shown, the Boomkicker works by flexing upward and when straight, it is at the top of its travel. The Boomkicker does not restrict the boom from rising higher.
2. Installing Mast Bracket and Gooseneck Stop: The Boomkicker works best if the boom/gooseneck is fixed in one spot on the mast. If the boom/gooseneck can slide, then in the normal sailing position with the sail up, place a mark on the mast, indicating the lowest point of the gooseneck inside the luff groove. Then remove. Using the sail opening in the mast, slide the assembled base with bracket and slide to the vang bail, do not tighten. Next slide the top of the gooseneck stop to the mark and tighten. Reposition the boom against the gooseneck stop. If the boom/gooseneck is fixed to the mast, the slides can be detached, slid past the gooseneck and reassembled in position.
3. Final Positioning: Using the main halyard, lift the aft end of the boom 6"- 8" (15cm - 20cm) above horizontal or the normal sailing level. Orient the Boomkicker so the two screw heads on the base are facing downward or aft, and the sling loop for the line is forward. If the Boomkicker fits in the area above the vang, hold the sling around the underside of the boom and adjust the mast fitting location to make an angle between 40° and 45° with the boom. The sling line should be loose and is adjusted later. If the angle is much lower than 40°, then as the spring rods flex, they lose ability to hold the boom. Tighten the bracket in position. If the Boomkicker is too long or the angle too low, it can be cut down. Shorten the bottom of the rods (loosen two small screws in base to pull the rods out) equal lengths of no more than 5" (13cm). A fine tooth hacksaw works best and frayed ends can be avoided by prewrapping a layer of tape around the rod at the cut.
4. Final Adjustments: With the boom/gooseneck held against the stop, adjust the line between the sling and gooseneck stop so the sling supports the boom. Since some initial stretch can be expected under load, slightly overtighten. Disconnect the halyard from the boom and press the boom down to flex the Boomkicker. It should flex freely upward and have enough support for the boom and mainsail without sagging.
Patents: 5070802, 6062155
Recommended Installation Tools: Phillips Screwdriver, Fine Tooth Hacksaw. 1. General: The Model K0312 Boomkicker is designed for sailboats under 17' (5m) who's boom, with sail, weighs under 16 lbs. (6.8kg). To the right is a sketch of the Model K0312. The Boomkicker comes fully assembled. Two fiberglass rods provide the force to support the boom. The boom sits in the sling between the rods. The sling is held by the line to the gooseneck stop and controls the initial height of the boom. The mast fitting and stop use slides in the luff groove to avoid drilling. As shown, the Boomkicker works by flexing upward and when straight, it is at the top of its travel. The Boomkicker does not restrict the boom from rising higher.
2. Installing Mast Bracket and Gooseneck Stop: The Boomkicker works best if the boom/gooseneck is fixed in one spot on the mast. If the boom/gooseneck can slide, then in the normal sailing position with the sail up, place a mark on the mast, indicating the lowest point of the gooseneck inside the luff groove. Then remove. Using the sail opening in the mast, slide the assembled base with bracket and slide to the vang bail, do not tighten. Next slide the top of the gooseneck stop to the mark and tighten. Reposition the boom against the gooseneck stop. If the boom/gooseneck is fixed to the mast, the slides can be detached, slid past the gooseneck and reassembled in position.
3. Final Positioning: Using the main halyard, lift the aft end of the boom 6"- 8" (15cm - 20cm) above horizontal or the normal sailing level. Orient the Boomkicker so the two screw heads on the base are facing downward or aft, and the sling loop for the line is forward. If the Boomkicker fits in the area above the vang, hold the sling around the underside of the boom and adjust the mast fitting location to make an angle between 40° and 45° with the boom. The sling line should be loose and is adjusted later. If the angle is much lower than 40°, then as the spring rods flex, they lose ability to hold the boom. Tighten the bracket in position. If the Boomkicker is too long or the angle too low, it can be cut down. Shorten the bottom of the rods (loosen two small screws in base to pull the rods out) equal lengths of no more than 5" (13cm). A fine tooth hacksaw works best and frayed ends can be avoided by prewrapping a layer of tape around the rod at the cut.
4. Final Adjustments: With the boom/gooseneck held against the stop, adjust the line between the sling and gooseneck stop so the sling supports the boom. Since some initial stretch can be expected under load, slightly overtighten. Disconnect the halyard from the boom and press the boom down to flex the Boomkicker. It should flex freely upward and have enough support for the boom and mainsail without sagging.
Patents: 5070802, 6062155