The survey we had done back In March mentioned rudder-cheeks and boomkin issues so it was time to investigate. Looking at the wood at first glance you would think it could just be sanded and refinished, but upon close inspection and a gentle tap from a hammer the rot was exposed. In fact the rot was overexposed when the boomkin scattered to pieces falling into the sea. I cant fathom how did this thing keep the mast upright through some good winds.
Inspecting the boomkin
I went out searching for wood to replace the now broken boomkin and quickly discovered how difficult it was going to be to do something so simple. Livingaboard with no power tools required that I get some material that I could work with. I needed some large timber “Dug Fir” and noted that wood company’s don’t like selling wood by the real measurements. A 2 x 4 is not a 2″ x 4″ as you may expect. Persistence payed off in the end however as I found a close replacement for the boomkin wood in Seattle and for me. Its slightly smaller but according to my math its strength will do.I eventually selected a 10′ long, clear vertical grain, kelin dried 4″ x 2″ Doug Fir timber.
Removal of the remaining starboard boomkin was very simple. It consisted of 3 carriage bolts, 6 stanchion bolts, 1 aft brace bolt and 1 wood screw. The boomkin was rotted so badly it crumbled into flakes leaving me with no template to use.
Left over rotted piece
Next I used an angle finder and a tape measure to make the necessary angle cut aft and to get the proper overall length. After bolting up and drilling all the holes to mount it I took a router and rounded the edges.
Test fit working great! Port side next.
New Booking test fit
Westsail wooden Boomkin
Another look Westsail boomkin
