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Replacement boom

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  • January 24, 2014 5:36 PM
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    Message # 1482656
    Deleted user
    I need to replace the boom on my Westsail 32. I have read that the ideal length should be shortened. Could someone please tell me what that would be. Thanks.
  • January 24, 2014 9:30 PM
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    Reply # 1482752 on 1482656
    Deleted user
    Ian:

    To clear up your question.

    Some of us, have had success, in shortening the mainsail's foot (this is independent of the boom length!)  You may also want to review past posts discussing this, as Dave King has given some good input tward main sail battens, and sail setup which may or may not be your question? 

    My main sail has been cut down to a 14'-0" long foot with a bit of hollow (this is the length at the bottom of the main sail along the boom)

    My boom has also been cut down to 14'-6" long = so that it can clear my double backstays which are attached directly to the hull = no boomkin at all.

    The standard boom would be a better choice if you still have a boomkin and an original sail.
    I.e. you can run a sail with a longer foot 15'-6", or a shorter one, 14', 13' or ? feet,  it is all the same.

    Again shortening the boom is a rig clearance thing, when the boom is allowed to lift you do not want it hitting the backstay(s)!! And yes I know it is 2 extra pounds but it will not really mater that much.

    Hope this helps
    Norm

    If this did not answer your question, please resubmit as a sail configuration question or as a rigging question.

     
  • January 30, 2014 5:12 PM
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    Reply # 1487119 on 1482656
    Anonymous member
    It is my understanding that shortening the foot of the sail itself by about 18" improves the performance of the Westsail 32.
  • January 31, 2014 4:25 PM
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    Reply # 1487794 on 1482656
    Deleted user
    Thanks for the insightful comments but I think I should have been clearer. I am the very proud owner of a Westsail 32. I bought her about 5 days ago. She has a wood boom though. I have not seen this before in Westsails and am not sure if I should replace it with an aluminum one. I think I will shorten it a bit though whichever material I do have. Could someone give the exact length of the stock boom so I will know what to look for. 

    I brought her from Marathon Florida to Ft Lauderdale Florida and during the passage I noticed some "rudder shake", (not fore and aft, side to side). Any idea what this might be? Gudgens and pintles? Something else?

    Those are the most pressing questions now, but I am sure I will have many more as I progress in refitting her. 
  • January 31, 2014 5:08 PM
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    Reply # 1487806 on 1482656
    Anonymous member

    Ahoy Ian,

    The exact length of the original W-32 boom extrusion is 16' 2".  The boom is still available from Le Fiell manufacturing Company in Santa Fe Springs, California.  If painted white, with 3 exit holes and 3 sheeves at the outboard end, and no goose neck, the cost was $750. 2 months ago.  Plus shipping.

    If you have mid-boom sheeting the extrusion should be the next size larger.

    Good Luck,  Welcome to the group

    Last modified: January 31, 2014 5:11 PM | Anonymous member
  • January 31, 2014 7:07 PM
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    Reply # 1487849 on 1482656
    Deleted user
    Sorry to go astray on this thread, but
    Dave;  did LeFiell have a 3 shieve exit block to fit their standard boom sections L100??

    This was not shown on there web site.  LeFiell
  • January 31, 2014 8:20 PM
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    Reply # 1487863 on 1482656
    Anonymous member

    Ahoy Norm & Ian,

    The original boom extrusion was actually round.  But we will ignore that for now.  The next standard boom was what is now the Le Fiell L-106.  (not the L-100 or L-108)  It did not originally come with the sheave weldment .  When you order from them now, you have the option  of having the sheave weldment.  The next size bigger boom extrusion is the L-104.  It is also available with the sheave box weldment.  All things considered, IMO, the larger, L-104 is the better choice. 

    The price can go way up with the addition of tangs, bails, cleats, winches, exit holes, and goose neck.

    Is this the right answer to the question?

     

    Last modified: February 03, 2014 5:46 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • February 02, 2014 5:38 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1488903 on 1482656
    Deleted user
    Yes, it is very informative thanks. I had never heard of a Westsail with a wood boom before. Is that unusual? Any opinions on whether I should replace it with an aluminum one?
  • February 02, 2014 6:14 PM
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    Reply # 1488926 on 1482656
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Dave:  I tried to find images of the models and fitting you talked about on line but La Fiell web site doesn't have much... Do you know/have images?

    Jay
  • February 02, 2014 9:08 PM
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    Reply # 1488999 on 1482656
    Anonymous member

    Ahoy Jay,

    The Le Fiell info is available at the Le Fiell Marine site.  Under cruising masts and booms.  Le fiell Manufacturing's main business is air craft parts and,Yes , their home page doesn't help us out much.

    Good Luck,     Dave
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