A 1994 boom should already have the sleeve, but of course that boom could be much older than the hull (the amount of corrosion would indicate that, too).Does not look like you have the boom sleeve installed (Laser Boom Sleeve - 90418)
It’s the forward block.A 1994 boom should already have the sleeve, but of course that boom could be much older than the hull (the amount of corrosion would indicate that, too).
Is that the aft or forward block position in the picture?
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I have the sleeve. I pulled the end plus and could see it down at the other end.Does not look like you have the boom sleeve installed (Laser Boom Sleeve - 90418)
Install sleeve and drill the right size holes in the sleeve and you'll be fine.
If you don't install the sleeve, you will break the boom sooner or later.
E
The sleeve seems to only fit the first 1/3 of the boom.I have the sleeve. I pulled the end plus and could see it down at the other end.
Full length sleeve will go past the forward block. I had a 99 boom with short sleeve; you need the long sleeve or your boom will break at the forward block (just like mine did).It’s the forward block.
Ok, so like myself, you have the short (65 cm) sleeve. The longer 90 cm version, which extends aft of the forward sheet block position was introduced around 1997. Like Emilio just said, just changing to that should be enough for a safe reinstallment of the sheet block in the original place. It would be a lot of work, but less than drilling out every fitting and refitting them all on a flipped boom or a topmast, which have been suggested by some.The sleeve seems to only fit the first 1/3 of the boom.
Alan, do you know if anyone has actually measured how much the boom bends, short vs. long sleeve? (Of course I could go to the club and test it any day, but it would be nice to hear someone else's data, too.)A 900mm sleeve is a must.
Would it be legal to use a plastic top to make a boom?Whilst this might change with the introduction of carbon top sections.
No idea.Alan, do you know if anyone has actually measured how much the boom bends, short vs. long sleeve? (Of course I could go to the club and test it any day, but it would be nice to hear someone else's data, too.)
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In my opinion it would be illegal. Ask the world measurer.Would it be legal to use a plastic top to make a boom?
Thanks
E
Would it be legal to use a plastic top to make a boom?
Isn't this a bit trivial? The builders supply only aluminium booms. It can't be "home-built" of another material, and it doesn't help at all if that material comes from another part of the boat.In my opinion it would be illegal. Ask the world measurer.
Haven't tried it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be a lot of work. It depends on how tight the fit is; the old sleeve most likely doesn't just fall out after you've drilled out the vang key fitting rivets. I once replaced a forward boom plug, and it was much harder than expected. There's a reason why the sleeve kit includes a new plug: the old one won't get out alive.How tough is it to get that old one out and get a 90” put in?
Would it be legal to use a plastic top to make a boom?
Thanks
E
Fully agree with the first part.Isn't this a bit trivial? The builders supply only aluminium booms. It can't be "home-built" of another material, and it doesn't help at all if that material comes from another part of the boat.
Haven't tried it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be a lot of work. It depends on how tight the fit is; the old sleeve most likely doesn't just fall out after you've drilled out the vang key fitting rivets. I once replaced a forward boom plug, and it was much harder than expected. There's a reason why the sleeve kit includes a new plug: the old one won't get out alive.
As I said, I would just drill new holes for the forward sheet block within the tolerances, especially when it looks like your home waters aren't that roughIf it breaks it breaks, and then you have the options of buying a new boom or making one out of the topmast.
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