I offer this post as a cautionary tale concerning the Isomat boom and more importantly Gybe prevention. It began last year when we launched Peacekeeper from Puerto Del Rey Marina and on inspection found two cracks on either side of the boom where cut outs for topping lift and outhaul are. (this had been reported by another member 7 years ago with pictures) I removed the boom and took it to a fabricator to have plates welded on (pic attached). Job done and we had a short season before hauling out. A rigger at the time said he believed the cutouts were positioned incorrectly. Take that for whatever it's worth.
This season's plan was to head to the ABCs. Leaving PR, I sailed to USVI and then St Martin. Precautions taken for the 4 day SW single-handed passage included: safety lines tied bow to stern to clip on, gybe preventer attached to aft end of boom and carried forward to a turning block and back to the cockpit, and setting the whisker pole for downwind sailing. The sailing was very good in light to moderate seas for the first 80 hours without any squalls to deal with. Then during the last night (of course) 10 hours from Aruba, I determined that the main ought to be reefed again for an expected squall. Releasing the preventer and heading into the wind, I moved to reef the sail. Either due to fatigue or inattention the boat gybed and the boom snapped in half (pic attached).
Lessons learned (no doubt there are others):
- Release preventer, get the main well sheeted in and clutch engaged while continuing on downwind course,
- Turn on engine, engage autohelm for upwind (when single handing),
- Set reef
Also, after researching for a replacement boom I discovered that the boom I ought to have two attachment points. When I purchased to boat 8 years ago It only had the one on the boom (though other bales were present) where the sheet came down directly above the track. This will be corrected in the future.
