Manufacturer part #: K0400
The Boomkicker model K0400 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. Each model now includes only two rods of a specified diameter and force. If after installation the force is more or less then desired, optional rods are available either as exchange or for purchase. The more forceful the rods, the more support for the boom but the harder it will be to pull on the vang. 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.
Both the gooseneck eyestrap for the line and the mast fitting have standard 3/8" diameter slides 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.
| 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.
Recommended Installation Tools: Phillips Screwdriver, Fine Tooth Hacksaw.
1. General: To the right is a sketch of the Model K0400. Two fiberglass rods provide the force to support the boom. The boom sits in the sling between the rods and is held by a line to the gooseneck stop installed directly under the boom gooseneck. The length of the line controls teh initial height of the boom. To check the K0400 is the correct model, the minimum length is 26"(66cm) end pin to sling and the maximum weight it can support is approximately 14 lbs(6.3kgs) at the outboard end of the boom with the mainsail flaked. As shown the Boomkicker works by flexing and when straight, it is at the top of its travel. Note that 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 (Including any portion inside the luff groove). Then remove. Using the sail opening in the mast, first slide the mast bracket down to the vang bail, do not tighten. Next slide the top of the gooseneck stop to the mark and tighten. Reinsert the boom so against the gooseneck stop. If the boom gooseneck is fixed to the mast, the slides can be detached, slid past the gooseneck and reassembled.
3. Final Positioning: Using the main halyard, lift the aft end of the boom 6"- 8" (15cm - 20cm) above horizontal or normal sailing level . If the Boomkicker fits in the area above the vang, hold the sling around the under side of the boom and adjust the mast fitting location to make an angel 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 and reattach the Boomkicker with clamp screws on top and the sling loop for the line, forward. If the Boomkicker is too long to fit in the area above the vang, or the angle is low, the spring rods can be cut down. Shorten the bottom of both rods (Use the provided hex-key to loosen rod clamp.) equal lengths of no more than 8" (20cm). A fine tooth hacksaw works best. Before tightening the rod clamp, make sure the rods are against the stops on the lower plate and Boomkicker labels are out.
4. Final Adjustments: Adjust the line between the sling and the gooseneck stop so the sling supports the boom. Since some initial stretch can be expected under load, slightly over tighten. Disconnect the halyard from the boom and press the boom down to flex the Boomkicker and test the force. Rods should flex freely upward and support the boom and mainsail without the boom sagging. Too much force will cause the boom to bow upwards. If less force is needed, optional smaller diameter rods are available either as exchange, ordered on the web or by phone.
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