I've sailed navy 27 foot whalers with no booms. It's OK with a gaff rig, the gaff holds the main out when you bear away to sail down wind. With out the gaff it would be hopeless!
The Hobie Getaway has a boomless main and while controlling the sail is somewhat problematic this is mitigated by having a full width traveller.
I found the system to work reasonably well, at least as well as anything Hobie can work.
Select to expand quotesydchris said..
Booms are optional if done right:
They certainly are.
It depends on what you call "done right". You can't get the same sail control without a boom. Many years ago there were some high performance cats without booms but even there they have found a boom allows more control over sail shape, angle and twist.
The boom can also take lots of the load off the mainsheet, making trimming the sails lighter work.
Select to expand quotejapie said..
I've got eight booms on mine!
The more booms the better!
Boom Boom!!
Actually they go crack, crack, crack if you don't pay attention and have a fan up!
They go snap snap if they are bamboo.
The picture of tan sails and the junk rig brought memories.
I sailed on Burong Bahri from Bali to Nusa Trengannu in 1978.
the good thing was you could pull in and get new booms.
gary
So the Bolger jobs mizzen is a lug, whats that main ? Leg o mutton ?
And by the way Gary great thread.
Select to expand quoteAll@Sea said..
Sorta boomless - from the :Interesting boats for sale" thread - 
would say that this has a half wish bone boom
Select to expand quotethe truth said..All@Sea said..
Sorta boomless - from the :Interesting boats for sale" thread -
would say that this has a half wish bone boom
I'd agree, hence "sorta" - Two 1/2 booms on two sails... two 1/2 booms doing 3/4 the job of 2... sorta kinda.
