If you are a sailing enthusiast, you might have heard of two devices that can help you control the shape and angle of your mainsail: the boom kicker and the boom vang. But what are they exactly, and how do they differ from each other?
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about these two sailboat accessories, and help you decide which one is best for your sailing needs.
What is a Boom Kicker?
A boom kicker is a modern mechanical device that pushes the boom up by one or more fiberglass rods. It is attached to the mast and the boom at an angle, and it works by flexing when the boom is pulled down by the mainsheet or the wind. This creates an upward force that lifts the boom and opens the leech (the back edge) of the sail.
A boom kicker has several benefits for sailors:
- It eliminates the need for a topping lift, which is a line that runs from the masthead to the end of the boom to support it when the sail is lowered. A topping lift can be annoying because it can get tangled with the sail or chafe against it.
- It improves sail performance in light wind conditions, by allowing more airflow over the sail and reducing drag.
- It makes reefing (reducing sail area) easier and safer, by keeping the boom stable and preventing it from hitting the deck or the crew.
- It works well with a block and tackles vang, which is a simple system of pulleys and lines that pulls the boom down to adjust the sail shape.
A boom kicker is easy to install and requires little maintenance. It is suitable for sailboats from 14 to 38 feet in length. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of boom control devices.
What is a Boom Vang?
A boom vang is a set of blocks and lines or an adjustable pole that pulls the boom down and shapes the sail. It is also attached to the mast and the boom at an angle, but it works in the opposite way of a boom kicker. It counteracts the upward force of the wind and the mainsail by pulling the boom downward.
A boom vang has several benefits for sailors:
- It controls the twist of the sail, which is the difference in angle between the top and the bottom of the sail. By reducing twist, a boom vang makes the sail more efficient and responsive to wind changes.
- It prevents the boom from rising too high when sailing downwind, which can cause the sail to lose power and flap uncontrollably.
- It flattens the sail when sailing upwind, which reduces drag and increases speed.
- It works well with a rigid vang, which is a hydraulic or mechanical device that holds the boom in place without assistance. A rigid vang can also act as a topping lift when the sail is lowered.
A boom vang can be either a standard block and tackle system or a hydraulic or mechanical system. The latter is more advanced and offers more precise control, but it is also more expensive and complex to install and operate. A boom vang is common on most sailboats, especially those that exceed 30 feet in length.
Boom Kicker vs Boom Vang: Which One Do You Need?
Both a boom kicker and a boom vang can help you control your sail shape and angle, but they have different functions and advantages. Depending on your sailing style, preferences, and budget, you might need one or both of them for your sailboat.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing between a boom kicker and a boom vang:
- If you sail mostly in light wind conditions, or if you want to improve your sail performance and speed in such situations, a boom kicker might be a good option for you. It will help you open the leech of the sail and create more lift and power.
- If you sail mostly in strong wind conditions, or if you want to have more control over your sail twist and prevent excessive boom movement, a boom vang might be a good option for you. It will help you flatten the sail and reduce drag and instability.
- If you want to have both options available, you can use both a boom kicker and a boom vang on your sailboat. They can work together to give you the best of both worlds, as long as you adjust them properly according to the wind and sailing conditions. However, this might also add more complexity and cost to your sailboat setup.
- If you want to keep things simple and affordable, you can use neither a boom kicker nor a boom vang on your sailboat. You can rely on your mainsheet and other sail controls to adjust your sail shape and angle, but you might have less flexibility and efficiency in some situations.
Conclusion
A boom kicker and a boom vang are two devices that can help you control your sail shape and angle on your sailboat. They have different functions and advantages, and they can be used separately or together, depending on your sailing needs.
A boom kicker pushes the boom up and opens the leech of the sail, which is beneficial in light wind conditions. A boom vang pulls the boom down and flattens the sail, which is beneficial in strong wind conditions.
Both devices can improve your sail performance and safety, but they also add more complexity and cost to your sailboat setup.
Ultimately, the choice between a boom kicker and a boom vang depends on your personal preferences, sailing style, and budget. You might want to try both devices on your sailboat and see how they affect your sailing experience. You might also want to consult with other sailors or experts who have used them before and get their opinions and advice.
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between a boom kicker and a boom vang, and how to choose the best one for your sailboat. Happy sailing!
