I think that boom brakes have the same tripping potential as do traditional preventer systems, as the brake line must be attached to strong points at the toe rail on each side of the boat just aft of the mast. I use a simple traditional preventer system on Betty Lou, described below.
My end-boom system has two pendants secured to the end of the boom, running most of its length forward beyond the vang but not quite to the gooseneck. The forward ends of the pendants are equipped with snapshackles. When not in use, I clip them to the boom near the gooseneck. I secure two snatch blocks at the bow on a bridle rigged between the port and starboard bow cleats. Port and starboard preventer lines are rigged with eyes at the forward ends. I lead the forward ends from their bow turning block outboard of the shrouds and secure them to the mast. The bitter ends are led aft through port and starboard snatch blocks amidships, then back to the cockpit.
When running downwind, I simply unclip the leeward pendant from the boom, clip it to the leeward preventer line, and tension and cleat off the line in the cockpit. When jibing, slack off on the preventer line, unclip the leeward pendant and clip it the to the boom, and secure the leeward preventer line. Complete the jibe, and follow the previous setup steps on the new leeward preventer and pendant.
_________________ Jay and Muki Kerr Tartan 37 Betty Lou (formerly Rainbow) Hull # 118, fin keel St. Helens, OR Betty Lou's Blog
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