Wishbone boom
The boom is part of the rig while sailing, which is attached via quick between the shoulder and chest height on the mast. It consists of two symmetrical beams, which run to one another at both ends. The end piece is adjustable and lockable in order to make the boom to as many different sail sizes compatible.
The boom in the rig met two different purposes:
- The sail span. One speaks of the so-called leech - voltage
- The windsurfers allow control of his windsurf equipment, because it engages the boom and, by the so-called hauling, so the angling the rear boom - hand, control the wind pressure on the sail and thereby regulate its speed.
As with all rig components, the weight of the material also plays a major role in the boom, since the heavier the equipment, the more cumbersome slides on the surfboard. It is important to find the optimum for the windsurfers compromise of high stiffness, high durability, low weight and a reasonable price. Entry- Booms are made of aluminum these days. The wind surfers benefits from relatively cheap prices, but it must take a comparatively large weight and a limited degree of corrosion in purchasing. A difference in quality aluminum forks also exists in design: When monocoque construction, the head piece and spars are made of one piece, which should guarantee a greater stiffness and a higher breaking and cracking, as there is no break points and less surfaces for by corrosion or salt water. Critics, however, against the fact that the monocoque greater curve of the tubes made it necessary. For this reason often get a softer aluminum is used, which can be bent easily, by which stability could suffer. Alternatively, the beams can also be screwed to the head piece, riveted or glued. The advantage of a screwed end of the boom is that you can break it down for ease of transport.
A stiffer, lighter and absolutely corrosion-resistant material is carbon. Because of these features it is used for higher value booms frequently used. Booms with aluminum front piece and carbon tail piece are compromise solutions, which are also referred to as a hybrid construction. Booms with carbon front and tail, however, are currently the highest-quality and most suitable booms on the market that are provided often with the name " C100 " ( 100 % carbon). However, this percentage refers only to the base frame: The lining of the grip surface is made of EVA, and the quick-release fastener for clipping on the boom to the mast, as well as devices for trimming consist mostly of plastic.
An important differentiator in booms is the tube diameter, has an impact on the handling of the rig and on the stiffness of the boom. Were a few years ago made for reasons of stability mainly Booms with 32 mm tube diameter, one is now able, with 29 mm to achieve a similar quality. This reduction of the boom spar is easier to grip and is better in the hand. In connection with thicker walls of the spars and reduced Längenverstellbereich nowadays are not uncommon even Booms with 26 mm tube diameter. They offer an even greater driving comfort, but are recommended depending on the manufacturer only to 70-85 kg of body weight of the surfer. The reduced tube diameter can be either on the complete Holm (RDM = Reduced Diametre ) or only to the diameter in the grip area relate (RDG = Reduced Diametre grip). This is a relief, especially for women and children. Legal young on the market is the V- shaped bar shape that tapers to a point at the inside. This variation, which is often sold under the name "V- Grip", has by its shape and by the double walls more rigid and is also easier and tangible with less effort.
To be able to hang with a trapeze at the boom, you have to attach the boom spar on both sides of the sail depending on a harness. These can then be moved forwards or backwards depending on the trim of the sail.