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Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Boom struck

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Capt. Kurt
Navigator

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185 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/29/2005 : 13:16:30

I was struck by the boom last weekend - luckily it wasn't bad. As much as I'd like to pretend it never happened, it was a learning experience for me and I thought I'd pass along the details for any other novice sailors out there who can hopefully learn from my (painful) mistake.

I was out with two friends (non-sailors) on a beautiful light air day. We were just motoring out and it was time to set sail. We were on a broad reach course. I thought about coming about but figured the wind was light I could hoist the main sail no problem. I had already gave the helm to buddy and said keep us headed straight ahead under motor ~2kts. He was doing a good job. (We're on a small lake so easy to navigate)

After ~45-60sec of preparing/hoisting main sail I feel the boat turning down wind. This next part all happens *very* fast, 1-2 seconds. I think "thats wierd", and I turn to look at helm and see tiller pegged to port! My buddy is not paying attention and is looking more at us than steering! I think to myself "Holy $*# we are going to gibe!" I turn to see where the mainsail is and all I see is the white of the sail. Boom! ouch. small cut - i'll live. Lucky, didnt go over and still awake. Even though my buddy didnt follow my instructions, I didnt (still dont) blame him at all. What happened is totally my fault, here's why.

I made some critical mistakes that won't happen again on my boat.
1. I will not give the helm to a novice unless I am sitting right next to them even in light air. (Novices are a big liability on a sailboat and cannot be trusted to follow orders!)
2. Will always keep head down. (this is probably my 1st mistake)
3. Will not take any chances when hoisting mainsail and always try to do so in irons when possible.

I deserve some scolding for what happened, keep in mind this happened about 5 minute after my standard boat safety breifing with my crew which includes keeping cover from the boom! Doh! My pride was more damaged than any physical injury. I was so glad this learning experience came at my expense and that someone else wasn't struck.

Probably the best lesson in life: Once struck, twice shy.

Kurt
#818 C250WK 'Tortuga'

Edited by - Capt. Kurt on 06/29/2005 13:29:18

Northlander
1st Mate

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35 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2005 : 14:32:18

Kurt,

Glad to hear you're OK. My pride is always being damaged. Just watch the power boaters. It will make you feel better. They act as if they have no pride whatsoever.

I think your right about keeping your head down. Gybes can occur no matter what precuations. A few weeks ago my wife and I were out in light, capricious winds. We were close hauled going about 2 knots when all of a sudden the mainsail luffed and then within 2 seconds the wind shifted 180 degrees. After some frantic motion we had it under control again, but in literally 1,000-1, 1,000-2 the wind backed 180 degrees. Lickily the wind stayed fairly light. Also, the boom was sheeted in so the gybe wasn't that bad. So far my crew consists of my wife, our 18-month old daughter and a 3-year old golden retreiver (so my wife). I like to give her scenarios to watch out for..."if you feel this"..."if you see that"..."if the wind starts to do this"...

Also, I worry about the mainsheet coming uncleated...I stay to windward of the boom.

Preventer...I need to rig a preventer.

Chris

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2005 : 14:42:55

Sorry you got bopped, Kurt, but you made good suggestions. I sometimes turn over the tiller to a complete novice while I do something on the foredeck, but I watch him/her out of the corner of my eye, and if he/she starts to stray, I say "Pull it towards you a little bit" or "Push it away from you a little bit." That way, I'm really steering the boat, but I'm using their hand to move the tiller. Those instructions are so simple, nobody has ever gotten confused by them.

Edited by - on

JJM
Navigator

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USA
170 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2005 : 18:42:43

Interesting reading here. I recently read that the most dangerous point of sail is on a run. The wind can be very quick to take the main to the other side.

I agree with Chris - I need a preventer.

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2005 : 19:27:37

Another point for a preventer. Light winds, downwind with main hung out. Boat tips a little bit away from the boom and over it comes to the other side. Have had the boom try and swing over. I have always had a preventer [bungee cord] on Brandy because of major channel sailing down to the main part of the lake, usually to windward or directly downwind through the channel, about four miles in length.

Edited by - on

JJM
Navigator

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USA
170 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2005 : 19:31:21

Wayne,

How long is the bungee and what do you attach it to? Sounds like an inexpensive and viable solution.

Edited by - on

Bay Tripper
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2005 : 22:28:18

Our boats are small but you should never use a bungee cord as a preventer. A line from the boom forward and back to the cockpit will help you better control
the boom.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2005 : 00:53:59

One of the first things I say to guests is, "This long pole is called a 'boom'. It's called a boom because when it swings and hits your head, it goes BOOM!"

Raising the main when head-to-wind is the safest way to go. I generally raise it with the boat pointed a little off the wind with just enough slack in the mainsheet to allow the boom to postion itself to one side. This prevents the boom from slapping side-to-side whilst you are stowing the main halyard and getting back to the cockpit.

Edited by - on

Capt. Kurt
Navigator

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185 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2005 : 18:00:20

Great tips and advice as always - thanks!

Kurt
#818 C250WK 'Tortuga'

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2005 : 19:51:46

Different strokes for different folks. The bungee I use is about three feet long. I wrap it near the end of the boom and attach it to the stantion that comes off the cabin top. Has worked for the last four years. I certainly can understand running a line, but the bungee cord works for me.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2005 : 20:11:27

I agree with Dick that a bungee shouldn't be used as a preventer. The purpose of a preventer is to prevent the boom from jibing suddenly, unexpectedly and violently across the cockpit, protecting the occupants. Bungees and their wire or plastic hooks aren't strong enough to serve that purpose on a C25 or 250 in anything but light air. A strong nylon or dacron line and stainless steel hardware will reliably restrain the boom. If you need a preventer, you need one that you can rely on to protect you.

Edited by - on

Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2005 : 21:58:49

Another low-cost solution is to add a snap shackle to the lower block of your boom vang. When I need a preventer, I unhook the boom vang from the base of the mast and snap it to the base of the leward stantion. I have lots of extra line in case I need to gybe or tack quickly. I just release the line to let the boom come across, then got forward and reposition the boom vang when I have time.

I should add that I removed the cam cleat from the vang's fiddle block and ran the line aft to a rope clutch. I got tired of going forward every time the vang needed adjusting.

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.