Jeff,Which end of the boom gave you the best access to the internal bits?
From memory, you probably need to attack it from both ends. The outhaul and topping lift are "anchored" at the front of the boom but do their work at the back. Here's the dis-assembly drawing I made when pulling mine apart:
In addition, if you have the original "internal single-line-reefing" (SLR) setup, you'll have two sets of reefing lines and shuttle cars inside the boom as well:
The outhaul and topping lift are mostly centered in the boom while the SLR lines are placed outward of center to the left and right:
Many people remove the SLR setup in favor of separate reef tack and clew lines. I kept SLR for reef#1 and ran separate lines for reef #2. The original SLR setup can be made to work.
Definitely, the boom work is job best done in the garage with the boom hanging at eye level and a flashlight handy. While you have the boom ends off, there are sheaves that need inspection (and likely replacement).
Also, inspect the bolt that holds the boom to the gooseneck. When this bolt gets worn, it allows excess play/slop/movement that can crack the bolt holes in the boom end housing.
A great indoor winter project if you have a garage or can talk the wife into hanging the boom over the dining room table.
Last edited: