Boom
The boom is the part of the rig when windsurfing , which is attached to the mast with a quick release between shoulder and chest height . It consists of two symmetrical spars that run towards each other at both ends. The end piece is adjustable in length and can be locked in order to make the boom compatible with as many different sail sizes as possible.
The boom fulfills two different purposes in the rig:
- put up the sail . One speaks of the so-called leech tension
- enable the windsurfer to control his windsurfing equipment, because he grips the boom and can control the wind pressure in the sail and thereby regulate his speed by the so-called tightening, i.e. bending the rear boom hand.
As with all rig components, the weight of the material plays a major role in the boom, because the heavier the equipment, the more difficult it is for the surfboard to glide . It is important to find the optimal compromise for the windsurfer of high rigidity, high durability, low weight and a reasonable price. Entry-level booms are made of aluminum these days . The windsurfer benefits from relatively low prices, but has to accept a comparatively large weight and also a certain amount of corrosion, which can impair the ease of movement of the length adjustment system and, in extreme cases, lead to instabilities. Conventional aluminum types are less susceptible to corrosion, but less stiff, while the aluminum alloy Ergal is very stiff but more susceptible to corrosion . There is also a difference in quality with aluminum forks in the construction: In the monocoque construction, the head piece and spars are made from one piece, which should guarantee greater rigidity and greater resistance to breakage and cracking, as there are no predetermined breaking points and fewer attack surfaces for Corrosion or salt water there. However, critics argue that the monocoque construction requires a more pronounced curve in the spars. For this reason, a softer aluminum is often used, which is easier to bend, which can affect the stability. As an alternative, the bars can also be screwed, riveted or glued to the head piece. The advantage of a bolted boom is that it can be disassembled for easy transport.
A stiffer, lighter and absolutely corrosion-resistant material is carbon . Because of these properties, it is often used in higher quality booms. Booms with an aluminum front piece and carbon end piece are compromise solutions that are also known as hybrid designs. Booms with a carbon front and end piece, on the other hand, are currently the highest quality and most suitable booms on the market, which are often labeled with the designation "C100" (for 100% carbon). However, this percentage only refers to the base frame: The surface of the grip surface is made of EVA , and the quick release fastener for clipping the boom to the mast and the trimming devices are largely made of plastic.
Another important distinguishing feature of booms is the stem diameter, which affects the handling of the rig and the rigidity of the boom. A few years ago, for reasons of stability, it was mainly fork trees with a 32 mm stem diameter that were manufactured, but today it is possible to achieve a similar quality with 29 mm. This reduction makes the boom handle easier to grip and fits better in the hand. In connection with the thicker walls of the spars and the reduced length adjustment range, even booms with a spar diameter of 26 mm are not uncommon these days. They offer even greater driving comfort, but are only recommended up to 70–85 kg body weight of the surfer, depending on the manufacturer. The reduced handlebar diameter can either refer to the complete handlebar (RDM = Reduced Diametre) or only to the diameter in the grip area (RDG = Reduced Diametre Grip). This is a relief, especially for women's and children's hands. The V-shaped spar shape, which tapers towards the inside, is quite new on the market. This variation, which is often offered under the designation “V-Grip” or “V Line”, has a higher rigidity due to its shape and double-walled structure and can also be grasped with less effort.
To come up with a trapezoid to hang on the boom, one must on both sides of the sail depending on a harness attach to the boom spar. These can then be moved forwards or backwards depending on the trim of the sail.
Web links
- Windstaerke7.de Windsurf Lexicon of wind force 7
- North-Windsurf.com North Sails
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b Gabelbaum.com