Vang Bamar 300
Mechanical Boom Kicker
The Boom Kicker is expertly engineered with a robust internal steel spring that effectively elevates the mast. Available in five models, it is designed to accommodate boats ranging from 30 to 62 feet in length.
During installation, you can customize the length of the kicker to meet your specific onboard requirements.
Constructed from either anodized aluminum in silver or black, this kicker features two telescopic tubes. These tubes are equipped with specialized connection terminals and integrated pulleys, allowing for a compact line system. The line can be directed to the cockpit or secured to the kicker itself using an additional tackle with a cleat.
The integrated spring mechanism enables precise adjustment of the kicker's force by simply rotating the upper tube or terminal.
How to Use the Boom Strap or Kicker
While sailing, one of the most crucial control mechanisms for adjusting the mainsail is the boom strap or kicker. In sailing terminology, we often refer to a line/pulley-based mechanism as a kicker, while a stick or hydraulic system is called a vang. However, these terms are frequently used interchangeably, even among crew members on the same boat.
To grasp the purpose of the kicker, we must first consider how we adjust the mainsail. The most commonly used adjustment options by sailors are the mainsail halyard and the traveler. Both adjust the angle of attack, but the mainsail halyard also alters the sail's shape. Loosening the mainsail halyard enables the mast to extend (changing the angle of attack) and rise, causing it to get tangled at the back.
When sailing 'to the mark' (meaning beyond a course of keeping the stern), you may want to loosen the mainsail halyard to present the sail more effectively to the wind. However, if you do this without applying the kicker, the mast will rise, resulting in excessive twisting of the sail and reducing its effectiveness.
To prevent this, when loosening the mainsail halyard, you must ensure that the kicker remains firmly tightened. This action keeps the mast down and maintains tension at the back as the mast loosens.
It is crucial to note that if the kicker is too tight, particularly after sailing into the wind, it should be adjusted as necessary while tacking to avoid excessive tension. The loads involved can be significant, and failure to monitor and adjust may lead to breakage.
Additionally, when there is considerable tension on the kicker, releasing it while passing through a clam cleat can be tricky. If the kicker is under load in a clam cleat, you must first transfer the load to a winch using a winch handle.
Since the primary reason for releasing the kicker is to quickly depower the mainsail, it is advisable to keep the kicker's weight on a winch with the clam cleat open when sailing on course or in deeper styles. Many captains position a crew member near the kicker in such conditions, often referred to as 'kicker watch.' This allows for a quick release of the kicker in case of a capsize or if the helm turns too far into the wind while the yacht is carrying too much sail for that point of sail.
When sailing against the wind, the kicker must be manually adjusted. If the boat is racing and nearing overpowering conditions, the kicker should again be on a winch, with a crew member prepared to release it if necessary.
Adjusting the kicker or tightening an adjustable stay significantly impacts the yacht's handling and speed, effectively depowering the sail plan, particularly the mainsail.
When adjusting the mast height, as during a drop, loosening the kicker is a critical part of the process. Failing to do so will hinder your ability to depower the mainsail during the drop and prevent the mast from rising, which it would naturally do when the drop line tightens.