bent boom – what to do next?

[blough]

i was supervanging in heavy air and was late in loosening the vang at the windward mark; I now have a slight bend in my boom. the deflection measures only 1/2″ but it is visually striking!
what to do? is it okay to just live with it for club racing? or, should i try to straighten it (seems like this might just weaken it further).
Is it legal to sleeve the boom and does anyone sell the sleeving kit?
thanks for any and all advice

rb

[Dave812]

If you race a little while and vang properly the boom will develop a permanent bend. Sleeving is not legal and attempting to straighten it is not advised. The mainsails have a big enough shelf that some bend has no effect on sail shape.

[wojtase1]

I recommend that you keep an extra boom. They are not too expensive and they don’t break that often but when one breaks it is a hassle and shipping can be a fortune. Buy one with a group if you can and whoever breaks theirs first buys out the rest. The problem is that you may never use it but it is still good insurance.

[karafiath]

Be sure to inspect your gooseneck very carefully as in my experience that is the weak link in the system. You can get replacement parts from Flying Scot. Gabor Karfiath FS 3512

[rileyj]

I had the same problem but my boom broke! Can a boom break just due to the vang being too tight? The break was near where the vang attaches.
Any idea where I could get a used boom?
Thanks much. Jack Riley
Rileyj@jbltd.com 

[FS5516]

The stress on the boom from excessive vang pressure over time will eventually cause the boom to break. Be sure to back the vang off when bearing off, as the wind lightens up, etc. Where are you located? I have a boom. I am in Connecticut

[Author]

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