by Peterw11 » Tue Sep 14, 2010 9:07 am
Speaking of boom tents, (but a bit off topic for this thread), I just want to give a positive shout out for the Intensity boom tent I bought this past spring.
I had a few extra bucks that I intended to spend on a new jib, but seeing as my original boom tent (which came with the boat) was in such bad shape, and being sick of having to bail out just about every time I wanted to go sailing, I thought it would make more sense.
For under 200 bucks, it's pretty impressive. It's a heavy Sunbrella material and comes with heavy, vinyl coated, hooks that slip over the rub strip.
The hooks are attached to the tent with elastic shock cord, so when I pull the boom up tight (I use the main halyard as a topping lift), the tent is taut and wrinkle free.
At the front, it has a collar that wraps around the mast and fastens with a tie rope, and three snaps that close it off all the way down to the cuddy top. The rear ties off at the end of the boom and is open to allow for ventilation.
Granted, we've had next to no rain this summer, but what we have had just runs off over the gun'ls and away from the cockpit.
I think I've only had to bail it out once all summer, and that just a minor amount. It's a good product, and I recommend it.
Here, I'll add the usual disclaimer, ie: no connection to the vendor, yada, yada, yada.
Although I could find a way to employ it while storing the boat this winter, I think my cheapo vinyl tarp will do the job by itself, saving additional wear and tear on the tent.