WE SCREWED UP! How We Did It & an Improvised Repair - Free Range Sailing Ep 114

On a fast downwind sail from Port Macquarie to Port Stephens we make a big mistake.... Join us this week as we troubleshoot the breakage and make a temporary repair so we can get back out sailing again.
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Music Credits
00:26 Olivia - Hyson ( / iamhyson )
02:30 Codeine - Swan Levitt (open.spotify.com/artist/4iCdZ...)
All other songs from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)

[@FreeRangeLiving]

A lot of people have asked how we are going with the fires, thank you for your concern, without going into too much detail we are fine and our families are too. We wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year and, to our Aussie audience, we hope you haven't been too badly affected. Troy & Pascale

[@danaabbott6580]

!

[@shreksswamp9001]

@@Mminnehoma There has been some bad fires in certain areas in Australia, but the whole country is not on fire like the media is trying to portray. These are the climate change scammers who are lying and say that climate change is causing the fires. These terrible fires have been caused by a long drought, which is a normal thing for us to have on a regular basis. Then there is the fact that this is the driest year the country has had, but the worst factor is the very high fuel load, which only ever occurs when idiots get involved and refuse to allow the fuel reduction burns or mechanical removal. These people are environmentalists with most of them being leftist lunatics. And then along comes a spider. The arsonist! If you add all the above together, you get firestorms that simply cannot be put out. And that is what is happening in some places on the Eastern Coast of Australia. Australia is a very old land and it has a documented history of floods and drought. During the drought years, the country is often on fire. This is normal and the fires need to happen to keep the forests healthy and the fuel loads reduced. The biggest enemy of the forests in Australia is the Caucasian Environmentalist who thinks that any kind of fires are bad and they lock up the forests with laws to prevent it. Well, they along with the arsonists are directly to blame for the losses of human lives and the losses of homes and property. Let us hope that Australia learns from this and the only new laws we make from this time of tragedy, is to bar all these environmentalists from having any say in what happens to the forests!

[@Stevek552]

@@shreksswamp9001 Your anti-environmental comments are unwarranted, you believe whatever you want to believe with your head stuck in the sand but it would be interesting to hear your theory on why our planet is undergoing what you obviously believe is `natural` change, now advancing exponentially at more than 10,000 times it`s scientifically proven rate over millions of years.. Learn.. then you have a right to speak.

[@stevebellamy8901]

Shrek The Ogre probably better to listen to experts with facts rather than the ignorant with opinions.

[@shreksswamp9001]

@@Stevek552 Oh my goodness. How arrogantly you project your own lack of knowledge on to me and demand that I do not speak unless I have learned the brainwashing of the globalist elite. No Mate, I have a healthy skeptical mind and I along with all other normal objective thinkers, know that there is no such things as "the science is settled" and nor is there any such thing as Climate Change. The phrase 'climate change' is a tautology and a useless term to use. It is just another part of the brainwashing narrative of the climate alarmists. I could place links here to information to back up my claim, but I suspect I would be wasting my time. So I might just short cut it for you. Why don't you look at Tony Heller's videos? He has been placing all true data embedded within the videos, plus all historical media releases from over the past 100 years here in Australia that details the lunacy of the globalists and how they have been perpetrating these lies after every weather event. I know you will denigrate Tony Heller and anything I say, so I'll just leave you to your delusion.

[@cap3915]

Happy New Year guys. Man, You are "The McGyver" of the Sailing World, LOL Good Job

[@bennuballbags2]

troy seems so happy to be able to use his tools again.

[@SailingBrickHouse-RVLife]

Another great video guys! -Rebecca on SV Brick House

[@tartansailor]

I reckon that the repaired boom is stronger than the original !!!

[@petrubalau7007]

On most boats I've been on that had a toping lift, we kept the thing on at all times. This gave us the option to lift the boom on light winds when going downwind and have the main have a bit of a belly and catch the wind better. (Just saw the comment you made in the video about using the preventer and mainsheet): this also will allow you to position the boom exactly where you want without stressing the main sail, now you have 3 vectors to play with :)

[@BillB23]

My dad used to tell me that if you don't make any mistakes it means you're not doing anything. Alas, some days I'm busier than usual. Fair winds and following seas.

[@Gottenhimfella]

Except crossing bars. Then it's MUCH safer and easier exiting (taking the seas head-on) than entering with following seas! As I'm sure most people with lots of "bar time" will agree, it's quite amazing what you can get away head-on in a sailboat, even one smaller than 30', provided the motor, drivetrain and prop don't miss a beat, and provided you don't lose your nerve and try to scoot back inside.

[@frankd2301]

Does that apply to surgeons and pilots?

[@BillB23]

@@frankd2301 Yup! Everybody makes mistakes. I suspect, given the fatality rates for mistakes by both, that pilots have better training and fewer unknowns than do surgeons, emphasis on the unknowns due to the complexity of the human organism.

[@stevelawrie9115]

You guys are well prepared for unfortunate circumstances.

[@Quarry4x4]

"Give it a crack " good one. I broke out a smile. Boom! Repaired my witt.

[@professormoptop]

Quarry 4x4 ikr. To funny 😂 😂😂

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Very beautiful 😍👍

[@lydiaajohnson]

Hope the boom hack works because that fix was damn impressive. Troy, I learn so much from you.

[@horstkotte6114]

Two Tips/Ideas: If the topping lift runs through the mast or any blocks: put a knot in the right place so it blocks and the boom can't fall on the deck. A friend has a pretty nice setup with an overhead bend and some rubber band. Put the bend on the cleat on the mast: topping lift enganged. Remove it and it blocks where the lift enters the mast: topping lift released. The rubber is used to add some tension so nothing flops around. And yes, this halyard is in the cockpit but setting the main is a two person operation for speeds sake, one at the mast to really pull the halyard and release the lift afterwards. Another friend build an awesome looking boom from a section of broken mast of a biggher boat. He cut in plenty of rounded triangles to shed weight and give the thing some space-ish look. Also great storage due to the large diameter.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

We had taken it off as it runs along the leech causing chafe, fouls the batten pockets and the aft tell tales. It has two loops, engaged or not but sometimes we unclip it to clear everything. That was the consequences of not reattaching it.

[@horstkotte6114]

@@FreeRangeLiving ah, I see. Maybe get a rod kicker? I've seen diy versions as well, just a large threaded rod like a aft stay tensioner. Or a fiberglass rod on the masthead to lead away the topping lift (like a backstay flicker) Never seen this done but might work.

[@jerrysmith9315]

Glad to hear you two and family are fine, no harm from the terrible fires. I have been sent some awful pictures. Stay well, Thanks for these adventures you are sharing.

[@AquaMarine1000]

You guys just crack me up. Cheers

[@klouism1]

: Good job. One has to be pretty ingenious at times. And you fill that bill. Wishing you safe travels.

[@defel1]

Boom! Thanks for the update comment about the fires and your well-being.

[@frednedgold4636]

tough for you damaging the boom , made a good show ,very interesting good job, will be watching to see how it goes

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

A stuff up? Love it. In the states we say “Oh Sh-t”. Carry on mate. 👍👍⛵️

[@mikeloughran5196]

Another great episode and excellent explanation that even we non-sailors can learn from.

[@dragonfly8080808]

Great episode, an old boss of mine used to say when facing a problem ' what would you do in the desert?'. You certainly came to the fore with that inspired jury rig. Thanks for sharing

[@joeltapp7028]

Wow! Finally getting back to this one.

[@johndixon5097]

Pascals that is a beautiful sweater you are wearing at the beginning of the video. Troy you are t true wizard at fixing things. Hope you and your families are safe with the fires over their. Fare winds and following seas mate.

[@rorytennes8576]

Your choice of music in your videos is very interesting, and good. A little different then most other channels and very interesting music. Combine that with the amount of information you provide and your videos and there are very worthwhile and very much worth watching. Especially for someone like me who is planning to set sail in the near future for the first time. Thanks and keep the videos coming. Oh and if you are still in Australia in a couple of years maybe I will look you up when I get down there. I live in Texas and I planned on spending the first year in the Bahamas and Caribbean area maybe the Yucatan Peninsula. But I would love to go to Australia at some point. It seems to me a very wonderful and beautiful place. But first I have to find a boat. One step at a time

[@lydiaajohnson]

Rory Tennes For sure! This channel picks great music, and I’ve added much of it to my Spotify list. Thanks guys.

[@Gottenhimfella]

The other thing is both Troy and Pascale have voices and vocal delivery I could happily listen to indefinitely - and I'm guessing that would be the reaction of speakers of English from almost anywhere? Coming from where they do (not sure about Pascale but I'm guessing Troy was born in Oz?) being easy on the ear is not a given. (Trying to be diplomatic here to all the Bruces and Sheilas from that great southern land!) So on top of the fantastic video, and superb content, the great music and voiceovers mean this channel is also an auditory treat.

[@cyclomaniac9086]

Brilliant.. you guys are the real deal. I appreciate the authenticity and reality but can't overlook the beautiful videography and story you bring to every episode. It's amazing. Thank you.

[@supershane1960]

Great video. Good to see you guys nutting out a problem and working out a plan to fix it. Thanks for the fun of working on the run with the challenges you face, great leaning video as well as just good fun watching you both sailing down the coast. Looking forward to the next one. Cheers for now... ;-}

[@stuartmcmichael5250]

Happy New Year guys. Great work on the repair as a temporary fix till you get a new boom

[@kanielawaeger3417]

Love it! I look forward to your videos, have not been disappointed. Keep up the great work. You two are an inspiration to people around the world, including myself. Cheers.

[@rubennavegante3491]

Thanks for the video

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!,

[@alvessail4718]

Awesome!. There’s no problems only solutions 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sollasollew3208]

Love your work!

[@TasmanianViking]

Great recovery guys, as a want to be cruiser I love learning more about what may happen and ideas on resolving even to get you to that permanent fix. Magyver 101! I hope Tassie is treating you both well.

[@HopeOfJoe]

Troy and Pascale. Gotta give you guys the top award for ingenuity, cleverness and folliw-thru‼️✨💯✨💕✨✌️

[@RoyClare]

Happy New Year guys! Excellent patch on that boom. I’m always forgetting to take up the slack on the topping lift ... so I fitted a Barton boom strut on a previous boat. Great bit of kit, tho not cheap. Considering one for my latest boat too, but trying to save the cost by remembering the topping lift!!! Go well .... 👌💥

[@Lesserthannone]

A really good episode. I think my local Library has a book on sails. You've made me even more interested.

[@player36012]

Very good video as always

[@stanleybabiuk8507]

Listen, been watching for a while now from the Great Lakes State in the USA, Detroit, Michigan. Here we have the Power Boaters as well as those who love the sailing. Anyway absolutely love you guys and your videos. Real good dialogue between you two and you actually learn about sailing in addition to the great filming/editing work you two do At some point in time I am sure I will want to help you guys out with a particular project/sailing expense(s) And Troy, you have a wonderful sailing companion. Best Wishes to both of you, your families and friends

[@Grumpyoldman60]

Been following the news of the wildfires down there. Hope your friends and family are ok. Sail on, Sail on, Sailors!

[@MagniKhan]

Troy is showing the difference between a Wrench( a master mechanic, will make parts if necessary) ( a slang in the south in American Auto/cycle shops) and a Mechanic( parts changer). Thanks for sharing your travels!

[@sunshinecatcher8779]

Love you channel guys happy sailing

[@kimrevell9419]

Sorry we weren’t there to help, we were on our way up the coast by car. I think you were moored near our old girl, the Hans Christian with burgundy canvas. Travel safe, we always enjoy your videos.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

We did admire your boat

[@scottswineford6714]

Yup, always be prepared when possible. I carried a bit of glass and resin on my day sailors because of junk just under the surface. Every year or two I'd knock a hole in the hull and have to fix it to get home.

[@dondevine5129]

Nice video thanks

[@gilsonyamaguti3491]

I am VERY HAPPY, FOR WATCHING THIS WONDERFUL JOB ,,, CONGRATULATIONS .... (SÃO PAULO ,, BRAZIL)

[@sawingate]

"Troy--the miracle cure" ...Don't leave home without him! Good video, skipper.

[@mihovilgattin3074]

You are realy ship maker,and I wish you more milles,and good sail!!!You are amazing crew!!!!!Go on!!!!

[@robertmecalis7189]

Good job, 👍🏻👍🏻

[@paulcollins9397]

I’ve used rope, or a garden hose split in half lengthwise, as a mold to glass over, to form “stringers” to stiffen up fiberglass panels. Booms are sooo weak in a side load! That’s why I never liked mid-boom sheeting. A topping lift that cleats near the halyard cleats is handy for reefing... & using the boom as a crane! A reefed main would put the most stress on that repair, but she sails reasonably well under jib alone. I’d fish a splint on it too!

[@robertevans6481]

Nice "boom" repair Troy..

[@Yachts59]

Happy new year how are you guys ok is the fires near you please be very safe and lots of good sailings

[@jameslogan103]

Happy New Year

[@davebrown7321]

OMG guys you did put a good bend in that boom ! (best of luck fixing it )

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Storm tested

[@theislandpackrat]

Good job, hope it holds. Always something breaking on a boat!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

It's surprising given how many hours we are actually under way, how few things go wrong. She's a stout little ship.

[@alansellen4561]

Good repair there captain 👍.but hope you can get another one

[@MrRJBooth]

Happy New Year peeps . A very informative and quality vlog as per . Many fanx guys and hope the next leg goes a lil smother . Fair winds and strong boom to yas :-D

[@joebrown1382]

Prayers for the people & animals in all the fires. Tragic

[@alltheplants]

Awesome video! It's dumping snow here in WA State. Nice to watch summer sailing. Sorry about your boom.

[@waynelee7169]

??? I am in the State of WA atm and there's a Cyclone Blake up north and 36 degrees Celsius - humid AF - where's my 'kin snow. lol.

[@alltheplants]

@@waynelee7169 I'd trade you weather...lol I've seen a bunch of fishing from your WA because when I accidentally type WA into KZbin instead of Wa fishing, of course you guys have more stuff on there than we do. Looks awesome! I hope to visit there one day. The south too. I want to ski through the gum trees.

[@waynelee7169]

@@alltheplants Watching Troy & Pascale when they were in WA - particularly Carnarvon and north to the Kimberley's will give you a very good idea of the tremendous variety and quality. The Snow is a long way from the West Coast - better have a fast camel and a big waterbag ...lol.

[@firefly24601]

When I first saw you report this on Instagram, for some reason I thought you had cracked the mast, rather than the boom. So from then until this video, I've been racking my brains on how you repair a cracked mast so well you can sail to Sydney with it!

[@EscapeePrisoner]

Morning coffee, morning spliff, and a morning sailing incident report. I ask you, does it get any better than that? Tell you what though. I very nearly shat myself when I saw the title, but then you started talking about coming down the NSW coast and I had to remind myself about how the videos are not real time. For a moment I thought you'd broken something going across Bass Straight. Nice repair job. BTW. I'm now in the FRS 100% club.

[@harveywilson4653]

You could try Elite rigging at Mona vale on your way south. I had them do my standing and running rigging on my 50' ketch and they did a great job.

[@williamlarkin1503]

Good job I think that repair will last you all a long time if need be.

[@richardcomeau57]

Sending so much love your way. No words can describe how a feel about what is going on down under. The land biodiversity is getting checked in a hard way, and my hope is that some of that carbon can regenerate some of the aquatic. smh.

[@grancito2]

The greenies that lit the fires need to be strung up, they often commit crimes to make their poorly supported agenda, look legitimate.

[@francismoulds6732]

I feel your pain. Did the same thing...only it broke worse. I had to fix it at sea. I spliced it with the entire 14 foot wisker pole. I had in my junk pile a half dozen large hose clamps and a roll of duct tape. I made the mistake of radioing my story to my friends who all met me at the dock in party like mode 3 days later when I pulled in. Walk of shame,,,,years later I still hear about it....remember that time?

[@martyspargur5281]

Walk of shame? They should have given you a medal!

[@randytrant]

Hope you find a new boom, or find a shop that can make a new one..... wishing ya the best of luck...

[@garrietaylor9519]

Crack me up every time with BOOM/Mast comment from sailor Troy < great stuff for including these & other bloopers in after editing process

[@mitchdehotte]

If you want to renforce more you can use unidirectional mesh, they ll be stronger than a mat, fibers in the direction of the boom, all around Can also put a sleeve inside, aluminium or fibers with a balloon to get them to inner shape Or find a 2hand boom ;) fair winds, all the best for 2020 !

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Uni directional sounds like the double-bias glass we describe using. Perhaps a different names for it. Very strong.

[@martynrandall7652]

We took our 40ft wooden trawler out over that bar ,but ground swell running. I said to dad massive surf pumping it was. Didn't listen night time off sure 10 knots or so . I said wait for the sets to roll through then go. No he wouldn't listen made it past the first two then copt the third right on us. Somehow the anchor hatch broke free and hit the wheel house. We saw it coming , both dropped to the floor expecting it to demolish the wheel house but it actually saved us. Luckily it landed flat against the wooden mullians and took most of the force of the water. Then we were near enough airborne but still going forward come back down. I thought we were done the sound and shudder was scary as but we made it 16 I was I looked at dad and said "told you we should of waited" he didn't say anything lol. Another close one lol.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

😬

[@krisliset4372]

Really enjoying your guys' channel. Have you two ever done an AMA on something like Reddit before? Would be great for sailing-wannabes like me to ask you two questions about your sailing knowledge and experiences. Thanks for the excellent content!

[@GisRewentlow]

in strange situations, you can replace your boom with the spinakker pole. the size is different, but it can do the job until you find a new boom.

[@richardscudds4753]

Now ya getting close to my turf , i,m close to Newcastle Troy

[@parkerfilms1]

Great repair job and an excellent explanation of how it's done. Troy's restraint in explaining how it happened is admirable, although he did seem quite frustrated with himself over it. But Troy, you must ask yourself, "if we never fuck up, are we truly really here?"

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I feel present even when things aren't being destroyed!

[@parkerfilms1]

@@FreeRangeLiving True that! Thanks for improving my week, every week, by sharing these videos.

[@victorbitter583]

Nice repair. Hopefully it holds until you get a replacement. I'm sure it will. cheers.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

50 knot and Bass Strait tested.

[@victorbitter583]

@@FreeRangeLiving You should have entered the Sydney to Hobart.

[@824rmrock]

Troy love your new hairstyle!!

[@staxter6]

Poor girl, I felt your queasiness. BOOM!!!!!! ;-)

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

I hope it holds! I would of gone for something like a chain plate on either side

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Bass Strait and 50knot tested.

[@rorytennes8576]

You need a reinforcement bar to embed in that fiberglass. Like the principle of rebar in concrete. To spread the stress of the load on either side of the crack. I understand that the mesh in the fiberglass generally serves that purpose but not quite is good as a bar embedded perpendicular to the crack. It's a structural thing. Yes I am in construction and engineering Yes I am bored I'm driving down the highway a couple of hundred miles to a job site in another city.

[@CaptMarkSVAlcina]

Rory Tennes , yes I was thinking the same thing, they could have used a Cut off of a Broom or any thing flat.

[@rorytennes8576]

@@CaptMarkSVAlcina perfect. You might not need it. Unless the unexpected happens. Like,,, an unexpected squall or gust of qind from the wrong direction. But that dows not happen often. Lol. Right??? Best wishes to both of you. A very good coue so you make. 😉

[@FreeRangeLiving]

The glass is in a curve so very strong. The mainsheet takes lateral loading from the sail, not the boom unless it is at the last reef when it is inside the mainsheet connection. Then it will act as a class 3 lever and not have much MA to act laterally. Most of the force is driving the end of the boom into the mast just as most of the stresses on our mast aren't sideways because of the rigging, rather they are trying to drive it down through our deck.

[@MajTom-wd2yt]

This Seppo has thought a lot about you. The fires are getting a lot of coverage up here. Glad all is well. 🙏 Sent. "Never sail faster than your guardian angel can fly." Ananamus Ventos justos e mar calmo ⛵️

[@Gottenhimfella]

I think you should consider getting a faster guardian angel ;)

[@andersjakobsen9906]

Well, I actually think it’s nice to see that other people also can have a brain fart. Glad to see that the fire doesn’t affect you or your family to much. Even in Norway it’s constantly on the news. Have a great new year and fair winds ,,,/),,,,

[@joebrown1382]

That's a bummer mate. Everyone slips up now & then just shows you're human. Very nice temp repair hope it fills the bill until you get a new mast...oops BOOM. Don't forget to replace the spare fiberglass for emergencies. Good thing you had enough supplies.

[@Viper_Poker]

I used to have a I.T. Instructor and he used to say that " familiarity breads contempt" .... I have an injury to my left hand that reminds me of that lesson on a daily basis. The point I'm trying to make is don't let yourself get comfortable and always follow procedure. It takes 30 days to create good habits and an average of 90 days to break bad ones. All that aside I found your solution to be quite effective. I do have a question for you Pascal. Getting a little sea sick on calm mornings alot lately? Are we to be expecting the arrival of a new crew member? ..... 🌹❤🌹

[@CaptMarkSVAlcina]

Christine Davis , well he did say do you want a baby at the beginning when they were having coffee

[@josephoconnor9675]

We all learn as we go.

[@peterkacandes5905]

The preventer is actually what most likely did that. Invest in a boom brake and ditch the preventer.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

I watched it happening in real time. The preventer saved it as it was being bent against the lifeline. A brake would have acted as a fulcrum in exactly the same way and the boom would have snapped completely.

[@budawang77]

You missed Camden Haven which is one of the nicest spots on the north coast!

[@englishmaninfrance661]

Hell guys , the best of us can screw up. After a nice easy sailing day, you can be forgiven for forgetting the topping lift. Anyway, Troy , great temporary fix to get you where you need to go to get another :)

[@Wordsnwood]

I tried to keep count of all the mast/boom mix-ups, but I lost count... 😁

[@charlesholt8773]

Good repair guys! Ready for another 50 years? LOL

[@sotobfree7163]

Cool,...calme,...and collected🤗...what’s next Pascale? Just a thought for all the animals caught up in your horrific fires😢

[@martyspargur5281]

Hi Troy and Pascale, Because a large part of your channel is "Education-Oriented", I would like to share some little known facts about modern booms. I do not wish to hijack or upstage your presentation, rather augment the way you are making all of us better and safer sailors through your examples. I notice in the comments a high percentage of very experienced people who seem as anxious to share their knowledge. I don't see as much of this on some other channels, where they are less concerned with the mechanics of sailing and more concerned with (perhaps) generalizations. Whatever. Mind you I know nothing about the specific history of your boat, but I am seeing a lot of similarities with boats from around here from the same era. Your boom probably seems unnecessarily weak to many sailors. But this was not always the case. Your boom used to be strong! Somewhere along the way it became weaker; something happened. If we were pressed to fix the blame somewhere, we could say, "Well, I'll tell you what happened. SOLID VANGS happened". Solid vangs started to appear around 5 or 6 years after Mirrool was built. The earliest ones were like a gimmick: One piece tube (not telescoping), controlled by a short length of traveller track (similar to your outhaul car) but on the underside of the boom, at the top end of the vang. There was a purchase on or in the boom to pull the car aft (tension the vang/kicker), and a single part line to pull the car forward to support the boom when not sailing. I am going to say this was stupid because I personally witnessed a very experienced sailor absent-mindedly uncleat the forward puller and nearly kill a man in the cockpit when the boom landed on his head. The thing about the solid vang which made it so "desirable" was that we no longer needed the tophamper of a Topping Lift. Full-race don't you know. I grew up to be a Rabid Racer, now I think back on all the hairball shit that went with it and it kind of loses its lustre. You do not have to be a racer to be a good sailor, in fact, I believe the desire to win a race has been the cause of many tragedies at sea. I can't even begin to count all of the close calls I've been party to. It's like you're Daring Mother Ocean to take you down. Fine, Can Do. Anyway, digression. So, when was your boom strong? When you had a 3-axis gooseneck. Also known as a "Bottle" Boom. Notice how your boom is kind of a "streamlined" or teardrop or airfoil section. It is strong enough on the long (yy) axis, but relatively weak resisting side loads (on the xx axis). Modern booms are much wider, stronger and heavier (if they're aluminum) compared to that 1960's type. So how could it have ever been strong enough? Because the bottle version was free to rotate about its own axis; it was free to spin like a roller. This freedom of movement was in addition to the universal joint which remains in your gooseneck. There was a pin that plugged into a hole in the front end of the boom which allowed this rotation. The mainsheet, on the underside of the boom, would rotate the bottom of the boom inboard, and the foot of the sail, on top like in your "bolt-rope" version, would rotate the top of the boom outboard. This would align the strongest part of the section with the load. When your gooseneck was converted (I'm guessing) to a modern configuration, it handicapped a perfectly good boom into doing something it was neither designed for nor capable of. Sometimes, this ability to articulate about its own axis was capitalized on to incorporate Roller Reefing. The lack of hardware on Mirrool's boom suggests there was a time when reefing the main meant rolling the sail around the boom. The mainsheet would have been attached to a bolt stuck in the back end, so the boom could spin, and the kicker was detachable. This was a feature of All the best and sexiest rigs well into the 1970's, when someone just said wait a minute WTH (NObody said WTF back then). Roller Reefing had evolved to where the goosenecks had Reduction Gears and the round-section tubes were tapered just right to match the shape or fullness of the sails, which were usually dacron by then, but not always! We certainly weren't going to throw away our perfectly good Egyptian Cotton headsails. Anyway, even with yacht design's finest minds leading the way, Roller Reefing Still Sucked. No matter what, even throwing sleeping bags and pillows in with the roll, the leech was always too tight, and there was no hope of keeping the leech from creeping too far forward as it rolled the sail into a very full trash bag. So, what's this got to do with solid vangs. Well, not the way solid vangs won't let a boom spin, even tho they don't. It was because of something else. There was a mast builder back then who pioneered solid, telescoping vangs. They still make them today, and they happen to be very good solid vangs. But when they first made them, their vangs had a terrible reputation for Bending. I mean permanently bent, so they wouldn't telescope. I'm not going to name this particular manufacturer, because the rep raced with us and was mercilessly mocked by know-it-alls who never let him forget that their manual solid vangs had a reputation for bending while the hydraulic vangs of the day didn't. Well, the reason they were getting bent had nothing to do with the way they were made. It was because Nobody yet realized it was the fault of the gooseneck bottle, which none of us (including two other smarmy mast builders that you've heard of) could have imagined eliminating. There are still a lot of bottle goosenecks on a lot of boats. It seems to me that nobody talks about this, like if someone had the wrong gooseneck they might decide to not buy someone's aftermarket solid vang. The fact is, Solid Vangs are totally incompatible with bottle goosenecks. I've seen other riggers install them on booms with bottle goosenecks, but while it may work for awhile, it will eventually bite you in the ass. The fix is definitely Not putting a universal joint at the top end of the vang tube, like a bronze toggle, the only fix is a two-axis gooseneck. Which means that now their traditional section boom is inadequate (strike two for the salesmen). Now, slowly, the world is converting to 2-axis goosenecks. They need a stronger boom tube to match. If someone wants a solid vang, who am I to argue? But let's go into this with our eyes open, not fantasizing about how solid vangs are the cat's ass. Hydraulic, gas return vangs ARE the cat's ass, by the way. But they can be needy, messy and expensive. But hydraulic vangs are Heaven to sail with. All solid vangs take up valuable real estate. Maybe you would prefer to put a dinghy there, or maybe sit there, or be able to cross the cabintop without gymnastics. Preventers can replace any kicker, the price you pay is gybing, make sure the gooseneck can handle any amount of boom-end lifting (La Vagabond, and hundreds of others, can't). Return Springs: The less expensive solid vangs might feature one-spring-fits-all springs. Where you used to pull in your mainsheet and expect a reduction in leech twist automatically, cheaper solid vangs may have a spring that doesn't compress easily. So, not only do you need to pull in the sheet, but you have to have a winch or strong purchase as well to pull in a SEPARATE line which compresses the vang. This can really get old; no longer is it "Pull sheet, close leech, Ease sheet, automatically de-power" it's now twice as much work. The best solid vangs feature finely-adjustable return springs, and finely adjustable bottom stops (Even if it's a stack of flat washers in the tube). You Definitely get what you pay for. Reefing: Where before you could lean onto the boom while tying reef pennants (confident that your topping lift was really strong), with a solid vang when you try and lean on the boom you're liable to go ass over teakettle into the lee scuppers or worse. These are generalizations, of course. Not all solid vangs have springs, and they may make more sense for inshore or bouy racing. But for sailing off-soundings, I prefer topping lifts. You can reduce leech damage or tell-tale interference by deflecting the topping lift at the top towards the backstay, with no noticeable difference in utility. For standing pendant types (single part, adjustable at the boom end), lash (deflect, not dead-end) the TL to the backstay 16 inches from the top. For halyard 2-part types, lash a fairlead (like those sexy new aluminum rings) to the backstay 16 inches from the top and lead your TL line through it. Then lash a stretched bungee (alongside and parallel) to your TL halfway up the leech. It will automatically keep it tensioned. I happen to prefer 5 or 6mm double braid, dyneema core line for topping lifts. Double braid will not die in the sun like "amsteel" types will. We used to use 5/32" 7x7 stainless steel, vinyl coated to 7/32"OD cable for this, it still works unless it's parallel to a backstay antenna, but not for halyard type TL's. Halyard type topping lifts can substitute for a lost main halyard or haul someone up there. I usually deflect halyard type topping lifts out to a bullseye on the spreader so they dont slap the mast, unless the fall is internal. Now, some quick sailing knowledge: When the mainsail is set (reefed or not) the Sail Must bear the entire weight of the boom. Not the topping lift. Put the sail up, ease the topping lift, pull the sail in rather tight, take any remaining slack out of the topping lift. This is obvious to you but it was not always obvious to me. If the TL is too tight, it is impossible to trim the main correctly. When second or third reefed, the mainsheet has a lot more leverage to overload the leech, and the topping lift then must counteract some of the mainsheet load so the sail is not damaged. Now I am going to apologize for taking up so much of your space and time, and Thank You, all the best!

[@AlA-ok5jh]

Bravo ! Good fix. I'm coming to you if I break an arm leg or all 4 limbs... You supply braces & tape ( not screws ) & I'll give ya 1/2 my pirate treasures !

[@zaundy]

I keep a pipe leak repair kit on the boat, it’s a fibreglass wrap that you soak in warm water then wrap it around damaged area, it must be a water based epoxy, it sets in 30 minutes, just in case I break a spinnaker pole , should work the same as your repair

[@FreeRangeLiving]

That is good stuff. Used it on a gas plant.

[@jonnorousseau3096]

BOOM, both figuratively and literally. Firstly and definitely more importantly...... PRAYERS FOR AUSTRALIA and all who have lost homes, family, livelihoods, fire fighters, animals etc. Costly oversight with the topping lift, $h1t happens sometimes, good jury rig patch job, hopefully with your loose footed main you don't get too much lateral force acting on the foot transferred to the boom with the outhaul tensioned, I'd just sail with reef 1 to minimise the deflection. I'm pretty sure it'll be fine. Interestingly enough the boat I do most of my regular sailing on has no topping lift, she has a hydraulic vang which you pump up to support the boom while reefing, obviously all your other standard single line reefing procedures are as on any other boat, she is a retired 64' custom built Cape to Rio ocean racer with a very big sail area flying on a 25 M high rod rigged spar with a 9 M boom with the hydraulic vang, backstay and inner forestay. Of course a very different kind of animal, especially when racing. Just goes to show how many forces are at work, and how much force is being applied,

[@bknight407]

I’m not an engineer but I doubt that a boom can be properly repaired. It is a good solution for getting to port.

[@paulswan1965]

Nice repair job, did you happen to go into Port Stevens Boat club & ask who might know a welder, that does aluminum work while on the water & not on the hard?

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Old Ali, especially covered in paint and affected by bi-metal corrosion is a bugger weld and a new boom is about due. The glass job will probably be stronger and cost us nothing.

[@2adventure_oz921]

Relatively new followers here! Loving your content! Any plans to travel further abroad? Cheers Ben and Deborah 👌🏻👍🏻

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Yep

[@shreksswamp9001]

There's actually a name for it. It's called 'Industrial Blindness.' It's just one of those things you always see and always do, but for some really out there reason, everyone missed it this time and then bang! This happens in every single industry or activity throughout the whole world. Humans will work like clockwork for so long, then all of a sudden you can get a single moment of collective brain snap where everyone misses an important task or event. So don't feel bad, because it happens to everyone!

[@FreeRangeLiving]

It's a good argument for holding onto traditional ways of doing things. I try to follow maritime tradition and there are so many things I do now-like tie knots or coil ropes a certain way- that have a muscle memory. That takes reason and thought out of the process which is very handy when the SHTF. I'm always saddened when I see people turning away from effective traditional practices.

[@shreksswamp9001]

@@FreeRangeLiving Yes so true. I think we always do much better when we stick to traditional methods that have been formed through repetition. This is always the best way to instill discipline in the workplace. And yes, it does become second nature and those tasks are done with some degree of involuntary action. But even saying all that, it is amazing how for some reason a situation can occur when everyone misses a particular thing or event and then all hell breaks loose.

[@martyspargur5281]

I don't happen to believe in "Industrial Blindness", but I was so relieved that after Troy broke his Mast, he was able to repair his Mast, and hopefully they can get a better Mast in Sydney!

[@ricknelson3607]

Your repair looks pretty good to me. Do you have one of those little metal rollers to force all the air bubbles out? Not sure if that is important or not. Thanks for sharing and Happy New Years to you both.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

We do Rick. They're called consolidaters by people who don't call them little rollers, like you and me. They do make for a stronger lay-up and eliminate bubbles.

[@ricknelson3607]

@@FreeRangeLiving funny, I like little rollers too.

[@waynemazan7485]

Sorry about the boom.... but it did make great content ;-)

[@niccat7051]

Boom 🤯🤨👍

[@billyboy4729]

If I every go sailing I want Troy to skipper my boat😂

[@TheBavaNeche]

Not me dude! He let the boom fall and break and then said, "We..." bla bla bla! Dude -- Troy is the Skipper of his boat! Oh...so things get so mundane that he "we" failed to support the boom when we started reefing? Huh....How can you skipper a boat safely if you're gonna be screwing the pooch with "forgetting" strategic and way important things that the "Boat NEEDS" someone there to "REMEMBER TO DO" because the boat has NO way to tell them until it's too late! LOL... Just giving Troy some shits man. Pascale can be my Skipper and Troy can be my 1st mate!!! LOL Smoothe sailing you all, Fair winds and following seas! Be safe old man!

[@itsmedaveh5516]

Sitting here wearing your shirt and just thinking...I would love to see you two buy a 40 something fixer upper and watch the videos restoring it. Just a thought.

[@michaelflaherty6096]

Currently refurbishing our Westsail and it’s been a couple of years I haven’t been sailing, which I resent. I personally prefer to spend as much time living on the water, so imho the boat only needs to be good enough to go sailing because the restoration will naturally follow with life afloat.

[@FreeRangeLiving]

One day