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POSITION BOOMSTRUT:
The Boomstrut works
by flexing upwards and when straight, it is at the top of its travel.
Install the Boomstrut with the screw head side of the rod clamps facing
upward.
With the boom height set as above and the mast and boom fittings attached
to the Boomstrut, position it alongside the vang triangle to see how it
fits.
Position is not critical so long as it does not interfere with the vang
(kicking strap). It is recommended that both the vang and Boomstrut make
an angle of between 30 and 40 degrees with the boom.
The Boomstrut is designed to fit inside your current vang (kicking strap)
tackle, but in some cases it may be necessary to reposition attachment
points of these blocks to allow sufficient room.
At this point mark the location for the mast fitting.
INSTALL MAST
FITTING:
The mast fitting (see
fig 2) comes with a luff groove slide to avoid drilling into the mast.
This should be slid into the sail opening on the mast and slid down to
the required position as previously marked. Tighten the clamp screws to
secure. If the slide does not suit your mast section, it will be necessary
to screw the stainless steel mast bracket directly to the mast.
Using the mast bracket as a template, mark, centrepunch, then drill and
tap the first hole. Screw the bracket then mark and centrepunch the second
hole. Remove the bracket, drill and tap the second hole then fit the bracket
permanently. It is advisable to use some sealant in the screw threads
to prevent corrosion. Use a 4.2 mm drill and an M5 coarse tap to complete
this task. A variable speed reversible drill makes tapping the holes easy.
SHORTEN RODS
IF NECESSARY:
If the Boomstrut is too long, take the following steps to ascertain correct length and shorten rods.
Loosen the rod clamps at the mast end and slide rods through the clamps until the desired length is achieved. Mark both rods accurately then cut to length with a fine-toothed hacksaw.
Refit the rods into the clamps ensuring that they are up against the embossed stops to prevent slipping. Ensure that the unit is parallel and not twisted relative to each end, then tighten clamps with the Allen Key.
IMPORTANT: Do not shorten the total lengths
by more than 150mm
INSTALL BOOM
FITTING:
Ensure that the rod
clamps are tight at both ends. With the Boomstrut in position and slid
to the back of the slot in the boom fitting (see fig 3), mark the location
of the boom fitting on the boom.
Using the fitting as a template, mark, centrepunch, drill and tap the
first hole. Attach the boom fitting then mark and centrepunch remaining
holes. Remove the boom fitting then drill and tap these holes.
The boom fitting is now ready to install using sealant in screw threads
to avoid corrosion.
Use a 4.2 mm tapping drill bit and an M5 coarse tap to complete this task.
A variable speed reversible drill makes tapping the holes easy.
FINAL CHECKS:
After installation, check the return force by pushing down on the end of the boom. Excessive return force will cause the boom to bow. For reference, with the sail flaked, only approx. 4.5kg (10lb) should be needed to pull the end of the boom down.
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