I recently purchased a 2002 Tiger which has the heavy rectangular boom. The first thing that comes to mind when I look at that boom is myself with less teeth, or my head all bandaged.

The only advantage I have heard of is that the rectangular boom will not bend if you fall onto it during a capsize, whereas the round one will bend fairly easily. I have straightened my bent FX1 boom before, so the "no-bending" point does not sway me into wanting to keep the rectangular boom.

So my questions: (i) does anyone have a good argument for keeping the rectangular boom? (ii) Does anyone have a round tubular boom they want to part with/sell/trade?

Peace,

Dan Peake
Campbell, CA
2005 FX1
2002 Tiger

Rectangular boom gives you slightly more sail area. Thats the only one i can think of. I seem to remember them being a desirable item when i was sailing tigers. Cant remember why tho.

Oh they will both bend easily if you fall into them. The rectangler one will take a little more of a blow.
The rectangler one can do more damage to your body if you fall into it for sure.
If you get the tube be prepared to treat it as a disposable item. I saw many bend this summer.
A bunch of guys in our fleet are now sailing with cut down sunfish upper booms which are the same extrusion but half the price as the boom nacra sells.

Formula does work.

It depends on the dimensions of your sail...

To use a thin boom, you have to have the clew of the sail above the mainsheet take off so that the boom is only being used as a outhaul.

Also, the cut of the foot must angle down at the front so that, as the downhaul is released, the foot gets looser - like letting off the outhaul.