boom crutch

[smithel]

WHAT IS THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE BOOM CRUTCH, AND WHEN WOULD YOU USE ONE ?

[kokko]

I holds the boom up when the sail is down. Some of the DS1's came with a paddle that could be secured to the transom, and a concave handle to hold the boom. I have one an it was not reliable.
I made a boom crutch that straddled the centerboard locker and scrapped it in favor of a topping lift.

[adam aunins]

If you look at a lot of DS's you will see cracks in the top of the seats where someone has let the sail down fast and the aft end of the boom dropped and smacked the seat real hard. I did this once, not hard, but it explained to me how those cracks that I couldn't figure out got there. After playing with the boom crutch a while I went with a topping left made from parachute Cord. I've had the crutch fall more than once but the topping lift has never let the boom smack the seats or me.

[talbot]

I had a boom crutch for a while -- the scissor type sold by D&R. I agree that a topping lift is more practical. It doesn't slip, and it's adjustable. You can lift the boom and furled sail way off the deck to get them out of the way when picnicing, or if you are bringing the boat in under jib alone in heavy weather.