Taking my boom apart I found the same problems as Rhapsody (Disaster waiting to happen): the mainsheet bail bolt has worn the hole, elongating it so the bail rides lower, allowing the wire outhaul tail to saw halfway through the bolt. I switched from wire to covered spectra five years ago but apparently failed to check the bolt, which has been slowly cutting through the rope.

Like Rhapsody I'll add a sleeve to the bolt to protect it and the outhaul tail. I'm not so enthusiastic about Rig-Rite or their Boom Bail Bearing Plate. I'd prefer an internal sleeve, external saddle or some other solution. I've seen several J/30s in pictures and videos here using internal fittings (no bail), multiple bails, or fabric straps, none of which strictly speaking are consistent with class rules. Maybe these alternatives should be allowed for repairs.

Anybody have a short length of boom section lying around or a part that would fit inside? Other ideas or suggestions on this repair?

After reading the "disaster" post, I inspected my boom when replacing the outhaul.

I had zero wear on the bail bolt and everything inside the boom appeared stock. I expected at least some wear so was a bit surprised.

After playing with it a while, I could see how if purchase system were inverted, it might be possible for the wire to rub the bolt.

I wish I had pictures to show what I'm talking about but the point is this: it might be that some of us have the internal purchase system upside down, which changes how the cable lays, which could cause the rub. Going from memory here so hope this makes sense.

My system had no signs of wear whatsoever.

-dan

Interesting my outhaul lead runs on the top of the bolt. I don't see any issues from the class rules in adding a roller etc to the bolt to prevent wear. a short piece of stainless tubing oversized and a little short should work well if the lead is under the bolt. I have a an old boom in the sheld that's available its in good shape except for a 4 " crack just aft of were the vang attached ( no it didn't bend) I found the problem when the boom was being stripped for painting

Rhapsody encouraged me to reconsider Rig-Rite. They have an Internal Vang Reinforcement Sleeve, K-11903E, but at 3 feet it would've required cutting and drilling only to wear out like the original aluminum boom. Another option would be the Internal Boom Bail K-11428 on the same page, but that would require a rule change.

A local rigger and fabricator suggested welding a compression post into the boom. Having just painted it, I decided to stick with Rig-Rite's Boom Bail Bearing Plate K-2172RP and keep it simple.

Hello, we recently broke our old boom. Have new one, but need reinforcement sleeve. I'm looking at this Rig_Rite vang reinforcement sleeve mentioned above. How difficult is this installation. Would someone be kind enough to give some details on how to do it. Thanks

John
Circus

If I remember correctly when I called Rig-Rite the K-11903E was described as a length of standard boom section with the foot rope track cut off. It fits inside the existing section, so I figure you slide it into position, then rivet in place. From the outside this appears to be what a rigger did to our boom many years ago.