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| Thinking of making a DIY fixed boom for downwind use. http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=70098 |
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| Author: | NavalLacrosse [ Wed Jul 27, 2022 9:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | Thinking of making a DIY fixed boom for downwind use. |
TL;DR: I'll be buying and modifying a composite broomstick to make a boombat(?) for the mainsail in an effort to improve downwind sailing; literally anything is better than no boom. Long story: Took my 2020 Bravo on a 'long trip' of about 6 miles out over open water on Lake St Clair. From the Metropark, in Michigan, to Gull Island, (the site of Jobbie Nooner, at the border of Michigan and Canada) From my trip, I realized a few things; (without a boom) Down wind performance is ... leaving much to be desired! I ended up using my LEG to hold the sail out to prevent Taco-sail-syndrome and so I didn't need to jibe so wildly off my desired course. Up wind performance is pretty good, and was fun cutting through 1 ft waves while under full power. It took 1:30hrs to travel out to the island, and 2:00hrs to return to the 'mainland' wind speed was about >10knts on the first leg, and <10knts on the return leg. What I'm going to do: I'm going to buy a composite broom handle and modify it to act as a dumb-boom(which I think are called boombats), basically a limited adjustability boom which I can keep stored in the hull, then when on long downwind runs I can connect it to the mainsail eyelet and the other end to the mast using some Diy solution. then, I can let out the sail really far, and get some improved downwind performance. The boom would be removed for most other maneuvers. Worst case scenario, I spend $20 dollars on a broomstick, carabiner, and some PVC adaptors and end up throwing it in the trash at the end of the weekend. I'll let you know, and if I get a breakthrough, I'll post the design here. Bonus info- I think I win an award for most weight sailed on a hobie Bravo; Myself and wife totaled at 420(nice)lbs sailed pretty well in calm water. |
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| Author: | Norm742 [ Wed Jul 27, 2022 6:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Thinking of making a DIY fixed boom for downwind use. |
I believe that's why Hobie offers a boom kit option for the Bravo, although it's not cheap. Is cost the reason for the custom solution? Just making sure you are aware of the availability of the factory option. If you are considering it, may be best to order it before Bravo parts become harder to get when production stops. I purchased one - and modified it - for my Wave and it works like a charm. |
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| Author: | NavalLacrosse [ Sun Jul 31, 2022 11:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Thinking of making a DIY fixed boom for downwind use. |
It is mainly cost, as I don't want to sink 600 dollars on a bravo. I'd consider it for certain if I had a wave or getaway. As you said, supply is running out. Hobie is out of stock, and most online dealers seem to indicate the same. Q |
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| Author: | BillFollyBeach [ Fri Aug 12, 2022 2:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Thinking of making a DIY fixed boom for downwind use. |
I had a local sailboat specialist make a boom for me. He used an old windsurfer mast. It you look in Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, you might find somebody who has a bunch of left over windsurfer parts. It has worked out group for me. |
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