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I think you are referring to the boomgallows here. The boomkin is the
extension off of the stern that the backstay is attached to. The
boomgallows is the structure that the main boom rests in when not in use.
That is its purpose and function. If you don’t have a boomgallows then some
sort of rigging such as a topin lift is required. In eight years of sailing
my BCC, I don’t recall anyone ever bumping their head or any other body part
on the boomgallows. When sailing offshore, I find that the boomgallows is
very useful for leaning against or holding onto when standing up. With a
cockpit cushion, it makes a nice backrest when steering with your feet.
Also, it is part of the character of the boat. The BCC is unique, the
boomgallows is one of the things that makes it so. It’s part of what makes
the BCC stand out against the all the other “chlorox bottles” at the dock or
anchorage. -
When we ordered our BCC, we had two young children and felt that the
lifelines were important. If young children are not an issue, then I don’t
think they are necessary. I’m sure lots of folks would disagree with me
here. The stanchions on the BCC are probably the stoutest I’ve seen on a
boat. It’s the lifelines and the related fittings that you worry about. You
never want to lean against them or clip onto them with your safety harness. -
I think putting fiberglass coamings on the BCC would amount to heresy.
It’s definitely not an upgrade. I find the coamings to be very comfortable
and a beautiful part of the vessel. Once again, do you want a “chlorox
bottle” or a boat with character and beauty? -
It depends on your space needs. We had a vee berth on our first boat.
In my opinion, berths in the forward section of a small sailboat are only
useful when in dock or at anchor. Underway, the motion up forward is too
great to be able to rest in comfort. Then the forward berth becomes a place
for storage. We originally looked at a layout that included a forward
berth. We decided against it , and I’m glad that we did. The forward
compartment in the traditional layout is outstanding for several reasons.
You can hang a sunshower up on deck and run the hose into the forward
compartment. You’d have to be very careful about doing this if you had a
berth up forward. The cover for the head is great for kneeling on when
digging around in the sail/chain locker area. There’s lot of storage there
for clothes, cleaning supplies, tools, and whatever. If you need privacy,
there’s plenty of room for changing clothes, answering the calls of nature,
brushing teeth etc. It’s also great for its original intent, to provide a
work area for projects and repairs.
Fair Winds,
Geary Smith
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