Problem with North boom

I've been having problems with my North boom (progression comp A+). About 6 months after I got it the clamps on the end began to pop out about 30 minutes into a sailing session. It usually ends up with one side of the boom extension moving in further than the other and then jamming in, with the result that the boom is lopsided. I then have to unclamp the extension using a screwdriver. It's pretty annoying. Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Regards,

Adam,

Something I came up with while on holiday when one of my clamp things broke, with no spares. I've got an old BIC tie on boom that was afflicted with this problem. A radiator hose clamp and duct tape creates a barrier to stop the extension tube sliding in any further. I used nice bright red tape over the duct tape, and now I have go faster stripes!

The only downside of this is that if you use different sales and have the boom set at different lengths for each, it's not practical, as it's a semi-permanent solution. I'm only learning, and only have one sail, so not a problem for me.

I could replace the broken bit for about $5, but then this solution works well. And anyway, I'm not about to waste the $3 I spent on the radiator hose clamp!

Elf

Adam, how old is the boom, or putting it another way, what year is it? I have three North's from '97 and never had a problem. I am curious if they redesigned their adjustment locks. In contrast, I have had a problem with them not opening when I wanted them to. Does anyone know if North changed the locks without telling anyone? There is one thing you can check. North and others use a closed cell foam rope in the boom ends to displace water so your boom takes on less water weight. Perhaps this foam is pressing against the locking pin and pushing it out. Maybe the foam they are using swells when wet. That's all I can offer from the woods of Maryland. Marc

I had that problem with North's first clamp-on boom in '89. I thought they'd fixed it soon thereafter. Guess not. I solved the problem after numerous dealer 'fixes' by not buying any more North booms.

My north is the big one (200-255) Got same kind of problems with the pins that pop up , specially when furiously pumping on leeward. Now I m unsing shock cord to keep the pin inside

Hey Guys, That problem is warranty. The quicklock systems are easily replaceable. North has upgraded these clips from 2000 models on. Go see your local North dealer, he should have these peices in stock. I know we do. Bruno 2 Rad

I can vouch for this. I had the same problem and Bruno was happy to fix up boom. No problems since...

btw here's another shameless plug:

I started the 'Thanks Wardog' thread because I meant what I wrote sincerely and felt the desire to express my praise . The same kind thoughts apply to Bruno at 2-Rad.

Bruno and his wife provide first class sales service, prices, and after sales service. Bruno also does the best repair work around.

He picks his lines carefully for performance, durability, value, and distributor-dealer relations (so that warranty issues are never a hasslepassed on to the customer). His shop looks great and I've never seen him rush a client out of the store because a bigger fish just walked through the door. Btw, this guy also sails. I always smile when a windsurf shop owner closes for the day because the wind picked up. Besides, if you break some stuff that day, there's a good chance he's at the site with his van, happy to hand you a loaner or demo to keep you smiling for the day.

Since $1 USD gets you $1.59 Can, if your in Montreal look him up.

best regards