I'm in the process of installing a Wichard GYB'easy boom brake on my 1998 36' MKII. The instructions show two different ways of doing this. My problem is that in any case I need to hang the friction device from the boom, I can picture some heavy strain (pulling and shear) on the attachment. Would a simple eye strap and machine screws be strong enough for this? Or will I need to add a bail such as the main sheet is attached to. Any one installed one of these units and how did you rig it?
—
Dave and Becky Elmore
S/V Tranquility #1704 1998 Catalina 36 MKII
Port Orchard, WA
Hi, Bex.
I went to the website for the product you cited and read the instruction manual. It shows photos of the various attachment possibilities. I noted that the eye straps in the photo looked a little small for my taste. I would prefer to either add a bail as strong as those on the boom already, or at least use a stronger eye strap with 1/4-28 tapped threads.
JMHO.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Thanks Duane.
I'm in agreement on the size of strap they show. I think I will go with the bail idea unless I can be convinced that 1/4" screws won't pull out of the thin aluminum boom. Not something you would want to happen in an accidental gybe in a blow.
Dave and Becky Elmore
S/V Tranquility #1704 1998 Catalina 36 MKII
Port Orchard, WA
Hi, Dave. (nice to have real name to call you. thanks)
I agree that 1/4 diameter is not large, but as you rightly point out, it is the amount of grip the threads have in the boom wall that counts. That's why I cited the fine 28 pitch threads rather than the coarse 20 pitch threads. Still, the bail should be much stronger and preferred.
As an aside, I have another mechanical engineer friend who tends to use much smaller sizes in cordage and fasteners (bolts/screws) than I would. He contends that the calculated strength is perfectly adequate, but I have also been racing on his boat when things broke. I believe in oversizing most things that are stressed, except for things that need to elongate (like anchor snubbers, docklines, etc.)
Good luck.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Thanks again Duane.
you are reinforcing my thoughts. I believe in having a weak link in some things for safety reasons, but that would not be the place I would like to see failure. I will go with a bail, as soon as weather permits and the wifes chore lists are completed.
thanks again.
Dave and Becky Elmore
S/V Tranquility #1704 1998 Catalina 36 MKII
Port Orchard, WA
Hi Dave
We have a boom brake fitted to our C36mk2, It is fitted to the boom with in the same manner as the main sheet bails are fitted. The boom brake bail is the same size as used for the sheet attachments. This has performed very well and you certainly will not regret spending the time and investment in this piece of safety equipement. Good Luck
Bernd Rominger
1995 Catalina 36Mk2, Wing keel, Hull 1413
'BORN FREE'
Gippsland Lakes
Australia