Ed Jones said:There's a device that goes in place of the boom vang, called a Boomkicker. It holds the boom up when the mainsail is lowered. Go to westmarine.com or sailnet.com and do a search on it.
The boomkicker pivots with the boom.J-F_Elisa said:I don't get it! On my mod I Capri, the boom and gooseneck can slide up on the mast, so when installing a boomkicker how do you prevent the boom from pivoting around the boomkicker' support?
xcatboater said:First, it works great. I went directly to the manufacturer (www.boomkicker.com), as they are cheaper than West. You only need the small model K0312 ($82 including shipping). I HAD to get a kicker to support the boom, as I didn't want to install a topping lift, and my only halyard is already used to support my sunbrella sleeve that protects the furled jib. Man, it is STRONG. It supports my boom, tied-on main, AND my sail cover with no strain! The K0312 requires NO DRILLING, as the "sling" between the two rods supports the boom. Good luck with whatever you decide.