Martinus Van Breems, Inc. 54A Beach Road, Norwalk, CT 06855 Tel.
Boom Brake Owner’s Manual Introduction The Dutchman Boom Brake is simple, reliable device to regulate the boom speed. How well the Brake will work depends on proper installation. You also will have set the tension correctly for different wind speeds. Please follow these instructions carefully. Thank you for your purchase of a Dutchman Boom Brake. We work hard to produce high quality, effective products, and provide excellent customer service. We’re here to help you. Call, fax, or contact Martin van Breems.
Specifications These specifications are for conventional, moderate displacement monohulls, and are provided as a rough indication of which Boom Brake and installation kit should be used. Heavy displacement sailboats or sailboats which will be undertaking extensive offshore passages must use oversized equipment. Use the next size larger installation kit to start off. Contact us for more information.
Installing the Boom Brake How well the Brake works is determined by the installation. Read these instructions carefully. First, identify the best possible locations for the deck attachment point, then the boom attachment point. Do not install any hardware until you are certain of BOTH the boom and deck attachment points. Deck Attachment Points Chainplate B. Car on track Locate Deck Attachment Points C. Pad eye Use the following criteria to select the ideal location for the deck attachment points. 1.
Check Line Tension Set the boom height to the lowest normal sailing position and snug up the vang. Locate the boom on the centerline. Temporarily run a line through a block or a shackle temporarily secured to the boom attachment point. Tie or tape the block or shackle to the boom if needed. Then run the line down to the potential deck attachment points. Snug up the line and secure it with tape to the deck if needed. Now swing the boom out, and observe the tension on the line.
If the line can not pass through the toggle, install an eye splice with a thimble in the end of the line. Follow the directions below to complete the installation. To attach hardware like a block or a shackle directly to the chainplates, use lacing line, which is more reliable than a poorly aligned shackle. Adjust the number of wraps to meet the safe working loads given in the specifications. A good 1/8" / 3 mm polyester line will have a breaking strength of about 300 lbs.
Pad Eye Installation When installing pad eye’s in Balsa cored fiberglass, you must use the following procedure. 1. Drill a hole the diameter of the through bolt you intend to use through only the upper layer of the deck. If you drill all the way through, tape over inside hole. 2. Bend a sturdy nail over, so the short side from the right angle is about 1/4” / 6mm long. 3. Insert long end into a drill. Remove balsa core 1/4” from edge of existing hole. Now you are ready to rig the Brake. 4.
Rigging the Brake Brake Line Fixed If you want to be able to run the adjusting line back to the cockpit from the base of the mast, you have 2 options. Either use a block and tackle to pull the bail aft to tension the brake, or use a single line run to a line stopper and a winch. With the block and tackle method, attach a block and tackle to the bail (or the brake shackle that is also run through the bail. The other end of the block and tackle would be secured to an attachment point aft of the brake bail.
Operation Using the Boom Brake is simple enough. Just adjust the tension on the Brake line to regulate the speed of the boom. Practice to get a feel of how this works. In light winds, you may want to let off on the adjusting knob to reduce friction. In winds over about 10 knots, the knob must be tightened. If you find that the Brake provides too much or too little friction no matter how you adjust the knob, try using a smaller diameter line (for less friction) or a larger line (for more friction).
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Tack immediately. Shout MOB. Assign a spotter for the MOB if possible. Let the jib or spinnaker back wind. Do not touch the sheets. You will be hove to. Deploy the lifesling immediately. Point so you are heading 1 boat length upwind of MOB. Jibe when you pass MOB. Circle MOB (tacking and jibing without touching jib sheets) till they grab float. Head upwind. Roll up jib, drop main. Do not start motor. Prop should be locked.
Licensing Card Please fill out and return this licensing card. This licensing card will help us to provide you with product updates. Thank you very much, and please tell your friends about our products. Thank you for you selection of a Dutchman product. Please complete and return this warranty card as soon as possible. Thank you.
