Barton DINGHY BOOMSTRUT User manual

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DINGHY BOOMSTRUT MODEL 44001
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Barton Dinghy Boomstrut is designed for sailboats under 5 metres (17’) with boom and sail tip weight of
under 5kgs (11 lbs). We recommend, after reading the instructions fully, that you should install the complete
system, then determine if the rods require cutting. This would mean the strut position may not be correct but
will allow you to measure the downward force required (with sail flaked) on the aft end of the boom to flex the
rods. Units with rods which have been shortened will not be exchanged, so be sure that the strut is suitable
before doing so. You may need to upgrade to the 44009 web strut if the 44001 dinghy strut does not support
the boom.
The Dinghy Boomstrut assembly
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE BARTON DINGHY BOOMSTRUT. INSTALLATION IS A
FAIRLY STRAIGHT FORWARD OPERATION AND CAN BE ACHIEVED IN A RELATIVELY
SHORT TIME FOLLOWING THESE FITTING PROCEDURES:
RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION TOOLS:
Cross-headed Screwdriver, Fine Tooth Hacksaw, Ruler, Pencil
(Drill Bit 4.2 mm, M5 Coarse Tap) If S/S fixing bracket needs to be fixed directly into the Mast

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SET UP BOOM HEIGHT:
Use the main halyard or support the boom above its highest operating position. This would usually be between
15cm (6”) and 20cm (8”) above the horizontal at the outboard end (see fig. 1). The web strap sits under the
boom in front of the kicker attachment point. The maximum weight it can support is 5Kg (11lbs) measured at
the end of the boom with the sail flaked.
Fig no. 1 Fig no. 2
Boomstrut extended Boomstrut compressed
POSITION BOOMSTRUT:
The Boomstrut works by flexing upwards; when straight, it is at the top of its travel. Install the Boomstrut with
the mast swivel bracket screw head side facing downwards and the webbing cradle eye facing forward. With
the boom height set as above and the mast and boom web strap fitting attached to the Boomstrut, position it
alongside the vang triangle to see how it fits.
Position is not critical so long as it does not interfere with the vang (kicking strap). It is recommended that
both the vang and Boomstrut make an angle of between 30 and 40 degrees with the boom. The Boomstrut is
designed to fit inside your current vang (kicking strap) tackle, but in some cases it may be necessary to
reposition attachment points of these blocks to allow sufficient room. At this point mark the location for the
mast fitting.
INSTALL MAST FITTING:
If the position of the gooseneck can be adjusted whilst sailing, mark the lowest point, then slide the Luff
groove slide down the luff groove from the sail opening, this may require disassembling to allow the luff
groove slide to slide behind a fixed gooseneck. This can be achieved be placing a screw driver into the luff
groove below the gooseneck and sliding the slide downwards until it sits on the screw driver then rotate the
slide until the threaded hole is visible, now screw in one of the mast bracket screws, this will allow you to hold
the slide in position until you fix the mast bracket back on to the slider.
When the slider and mast bracket is loosely in position slide the gooseneck to its lowest mark. Always use a
barrier cream between the stainless steel fixing and the aluminium to prevent corrosion.
INSTALL WEBBING CRADLE
Ensure the web cradle eye and line are facing the mast.

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INSTALL LUFF GROOVE EYE
Use the “install mast fitting” to install the luff groove eye and secure just below the lowest point of travel of
the gooseneck or approx 5 cm below the fixed gooseneck.
SHORTEN RODS IF NECESSARY: If the Boomkicker is too long or the angle too low, it can be cut
down. Shorten the bottom of the rods (loosen two small screws in base to pull the rods out) equal lengths of no
more than 5" (130mm). A fine tooth hacksaw works best and frayed ends can be avoided by pre-wrapping a
layer of tape around the rod at the cut.
IMPORTANT: Do not shorten the total lengths of the rods by more than 130mm.
INSTALL BOOM WEB STRAP FITTING:
Ensure that the rod clamps are tight at the mast end. With the Boomstrut in position, lift the boom 20cm above
horizontal and tie off the webbing strap tensioner line tight to the gooseneck fitting (Fig no.1). Pull on the
kicker to compress the rods and level the boom. When sailing, adjust the kicker to suit the sailing conditions in
the normal manner.
FINAL CHECKS:
After installation, check the return force by pushing down on the end of the boom. Excessive return force will
cause the boom to bow. For reference, with the sail flaked, only approx. 3.5kg (8lb) should be needed to pull
the end of the boom down.

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Should you have any questions with regard to installation of your Boomstrut please contact your Chandler in the
first instance or contact [email protected]