Boom Kicker Redundant?

[Porchhound]

This is not a spring loaded kicker if that matters to this discussion. Is the topping lift redundant if a kicker is already holding the boom, or is the kicker just for keeping the boom down and not designed to withhold weight? If the kicker is installed, do I really need the boom vang? The more videos I watch the more confused I get. My 1970 Ericson 29 was such a simple boat...for a simple sailor.

Signed as:

Confused in deep water.

[Jon W]

You have a boom kicker and boom vang. The boom kicker puts an upward force on the boom so the topping lift is not needed. I keep my topping lift tied to the backstay in case something happens to my boom kicker. You need the vang to pull the boom down when sailing to improve/adjust sail shape.

[Porchhound]

With the kicker not being spring loaded will it work against my efforts on the vang or is there something I am missing?

[Jon W]

The two white rods act as a spring to hold up the boom. When you tighten the vang, the shoe connected to the rods will slide slightly in the foot on the boom allowing the rods to bend. As you ease off the vang, the rods will relax or spring back and support the boom.

Normally the rods have a slight curve from the mast to the slide foot on the boom. In the photo yours appears straight. I would check that the rods bend properly by pulling down on the boom.

Does that help?