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Blogging About Life on the WaterTag Archives: Hoyt Boom
Aero Rig – Another Forespar Test
Bob Foresman, Forespar’s founder, never stopped innovating and testing sailing concepts – a company premise that continues today, 50 years later. From the original telescoping whisker poles made in the garage to today’s carbon fiber poles, furling systems and the rest of a catalog of boating products from the modern plant, the family continues to experiment, produce and sell new products.
A classic example is Fore Sail, the Foresman’s Catalina 400. Working with Catalina Yachts, Forespar developed Fore Sail as a test bed for a Forespar-built Aero Rig, with an eye toward a Catalina production model. While this ultimately proved impractical because of market conditions, an easy-to-sail (and single hand) 40-foot cruiser with a very different rig drew a lot of attention in the early 90’s. Shown here with Art Bandy, now the Forespar OEM Sales Manager, at the helm and strings tacking up the Newport Beach Lido Channel.
FAQ of the Week
Q: What is required to install my Hoyt Boom System?
A: When installing the Hoyt boom, a backing plate is recommended for structural support, which Forespar® does not manufacture. The backing plate must be the same diameter as the pedestal and should be of sufficient thickness to help spread the fastener load. The backing plate can be made of teak, aluminum, stainless steel or hard plastic such as ABS or Nylon. The pedestal can be installed more than 10 feet aft of the J length. If this is done, your jib will most likely need to be re-cut. Make sure the Hoyt boom is installed before you have a sail maker adjust your jib.
The boom needs to be installed so that the pedestal is level. Forespar® sells shims that adjust the pedestal up to a 6o angle. If your deck is angled more than 6o you will have to have custom shims made. It is recommended that a professional rigger install your Hoyt boom to maintain structural integrity. Detailed instructions for installation can be found at http://www.Forespar.com/products/sail-hoyt-jib-boom-system.shtml.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
FAQ of the Week
Q: What size Hoyt Boom should I buy for my boat?
A: Deciding what size Hoyt boom to buy is dependent on overall boat length and J dimensions. Model 250 is recommended for boat lengths 25’-29’, Model 300 is for boats 30’-35’ and Model 350 is for boats 35’-42’. More details about choosing the right size can be found here Hoyt Jib Boom.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.
FAQ of the Week
Q: What are the advantages of a Hoyt Boom?
A: The Hoyt Boom system is a forward boom for your jib that allows for self-tacking. This is a great benefit for short-handed crews and cruisers because it reduces overall workload. Additionally, the Hoyt boom allows for greater trimming ability due to the fact that the outhaul can be adjusted, giving you more control over the leech, and allowing you to control the twist of the jib as you fall off wind, and thus maintaining sail efficiency. When sailing down wind, the Hoyt boom can be used as a whisker pole to hold the jib out, improving speed and handling characteristics.
If you have any further questions or need replacement parts, please contact us at sales@forespar.com.