Installing a Boomkicker



The Boomkicker by Seoladair Ltd. supports the boom when the sail isn't hoisted.  Two fiberglass rods flex when a downward force is applied to the boom.  While a topping lift can also support the boom, it becomes yet another line you have to readjust to avoid having it interfere with sail shape or the backstay during tacks.

The mast end of the kit.
The mast fitting slides into the mast slot and is held in place by two screws feed into an anodized aluminum rod (no drilling needed).  The height of the mast fitting was dictated by the clearance needed to avoid hitting the bail built into the aft end of the mast step when raising and lowering the mast.  An alternative is to position the fitting as low as possible, and then remember to reposition it prior to raising or lowering the mast.


The boom end of the Boomkicker is designed to slide in a tee-channel attached to the underside of the boom with three machine screws.  The kit specifically designed for the Capri 22 includes two black plastic spacer blocks to accommodate the shape of the boom.  I positioned the aft end of the channel about two inches forward of the factory boom vang attachment point.


The Capri 22 boom was designed to roll, but this action would interfere with the operation of the tee-channel.  The Boomkicker kit includes a roll preventer that stabilizes the boom.

Capri 22 boom can roll right or left on the pin that attaches it to the gooseneck.

Boom roll preventer.

Under sail with an 8:1 cascade boom vang.

The Boomkicker turned out to be a great upgrade, so I dropped the mast and removed the topping lift.

The fiberglass rods are amazing in how much bending they will take.  The whole system operates very smoothly.  It's like having the boom on a spring.  Push down and the boom effortlessly tilts downward.  Ease off on the pressure and the boom rises.

I used a topping lift for years on a variety of boats, and the Boomkicker beats it hands down.   The boat is easier to sail, reef, and single-hand with this simple device aboard.

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