Boomkicker vs Garhauer Rigid Boom Vang

[trswem]

Howdy folks,

I'm looking to add a rigid boom support to my 26D, and I'm considering the Boomkicker from BW Yachts, as well as the Garhauer. Does anyone have experience with these? Specifically I'm interested if the pop-top is still functional. It seems to me that that Garhauer is probably the better performing unit, however because the Boom Kicker (to my understanding) fits in the sail track it's easier to remove when you need to put up the pop-top. Thoughts?

[Stickinthemud57]

I am 99.9% certain that a boomkicker or other rigid vang would prevent the pop top from operating, as it has to swing up and forward until it comes in contact with the mast. You would need to have a quick and simple way to uninstall it.

[C Buchs]

I have the BWY book kicker on my . When I take the mast down, I bungee it to the side of the mast. You can lift the boom and the kicker will slide out of its slot. This may be an option for you when you want to put up your pop-top.

Jeff

[C Buchs]

The BWY kicker says it has a "new boom fitting". It looks a little different than mine. Maybe someone with this new version can chime in.

Jeff

[vkmaynard]

We've used the Garhauer Rigid Boom Vang since day one purchase in 2005. Would not sail without it.

Highly recommend.

Victor

[NiceAft]

Howdy folks,

I'm looking to add a rigid boom support to my 26D, and I'm considering the Boomkicker from BW Yachts, as well as the Garhauer. Does anyone have experience with these? Specifically I'm interested if the pop-top is still functional. It seems to me that that Garhauer is probably the better performing unit, however because the Boom Kicker (to my understanding) fits in the sail track it's easier to remove when you need to put up the pop-top. Thoughts?

Seeing as none of the repliers owns a 26D, have you asked BWY if their product will work on your boat? When it comes to Mac’s, they’re the experienced people. Just saying.

[trswem]

Seeing as none of the repliers owns a 26D, have you asked BWY if their product will work on your boat? When it comes to Mac’s, they’re the experienced people. Just saying.

I did! Both the Boom Kicker and the Gerhauer will interfere with the pop top. The Gerhauer, in my opinion, is the superior unit in terms of performance. The Boom Kicker is what I chose though, because the mast fitting fits in the sail slot so I don't need to drill new holes, and it's MUCH easier to remove when it comes time to pop the top. Since we use the pop-top every single day we sail, that won out.