Following the previous thread ('Loose-footed or not') when I queried why I couldn't get any stretch on the foot of my mainsail, I have just done the obvious thing of measuring the boom.  Since the maximum available from clew to tack appears to be 2370, much is explained.

Does anyone have a second-hand full size ali boom going cheap?  (In fact, it can go quack or moo for all I care provided it doesn't cost too much).  And before any carbon salesman starts on at me, I am on a steep learning curve, and I would rather make my mistakes inexpensively for the rest of this season at least.

Thanks

I will have an alloy boom for sail, band at 2503, once new one turns up from Speedsails. Supposed to be arriving last week, but alas they were all at Salcombe. email me if interested.

Thanks Miles, e-mail sent.  Other offers still welcome in case Conwy to Inverness proves too complicated.  '.... the night we went to Bannockburn by way of Brighton Pier'.

sent reply, forgot to add - open to discussion!

I have an alloy boom.  Originally came with 3012 - Cigarette Girl.  I believe it is 2503, I will check if you are interested.

Geoff

Have you received email? re-sent as requested.

In brief- have two booms, now at Abersoch not Conwy so anyone here for dinghy week may collect if you want one of them. cost in email.

E-mail has crossed with this.  Thanks

I've made it my goal in life to capsize at as many venues a possible can you help out

get it fixed quick I'm in inverness 15-18th August might get for a sail!!!

Sorry Scott, I'm away from 9th - 26th August.  A pity, just as I am getting really good at capsizing as well.

The light-hearted moment yesterday was the safety boat team who had obviously learned their drills on a Topper or possibly a Laser and were convinced that they could tow a thirty year old Merlin half a mile on its side.  A couple of wildly exciting circles before I persuaded them to let me right the boat first.  Hundred yards later, water all gone and I nearly surfed onto the RIB under bare mast.

if you fix il race it

I have a spare fixed rudder you could borrow if you are passing by in your travels. It does need an extension but unless you held on to that bit you will require a new one anyway.

Scott - I'll see what I can do.  I'm keen to sort it as well.  I suppose you could always bring your own rudder/tiller?

Callum - rudders are not the problem, I have one of each, although fixed is useless because the shallows go out about 50 yards at low tide.  I'm going to talk to the local boatyard about a piece of aluminium tube which I can adapt as a replacement tiller.  Unfortunately, I haven't broken any spinnaker poles yet.

Sorry Bill I didn`t make it clear. Fixed rudder has tiller fixed but sounds like it would be no use due to shallow water. Although very good for boat handling skills and helm/crew coordination. Also very good for winning best **** up trophies at prize giving dances.

I was only jesting Bill, with my track record no-one should let me out on a boat.


If I have spare material after making the new poles I drop it in to you what length do you need? and is it 38mm round ali but this woud be weeks not days.

I think I've found solutions this morning.  Local boatyard is welding an aluminium box section to the stock to act as tiller and I can then bolt on an extension.  They've also given me a piece of perspex from a repaired cruiser window - perfect for replacing the transom flaps.  Cheap and cheerful.  Short-term solution only of course, I'll definitely buy a new one within ten years.

Scott, if you really want to sail on 17th August, my crew might be available.  I'd welcome a good critique if it gave me a better chance of beating you at Forfar or Tummel.  Let me know if you want me to ask him.

good result all round, Thanks for the offer of boat and crew but I'll turn you down this time, see you soon as I'm on holiday for the next 3 weeks.