How do I attach the boom to my CLM26

Posted By: Russ
Date: 1/12/08 11:54a.m.

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I recently bought a 1973 26' Clipper Marine, with the understanding that I would get some instruction on setting up the boat for launching from the previous owner. But he disappeared as soon as my check cleared! I've figured out how to erect the mast; however it turned out that 3 of the 8 turnbuckles were bent and unusable. It's taken me the past 2 months to find replacements (I wasn't in a big hurry since its winter). They don't seem to be a common size, at least, not around here. I found it online just 3 days ago, so I haven't received them as yet, but I'm reasonably confident they'll be correct. Now, I'm trying to figure out how to attach the boom. I'm not even certain that I have all the parts. There's a threaded stud through the mast with nuts on each end, which may or may not be for the boom, just above a flared section. On the mast end of the boom, there's a stem extending out, with a flattened end with a hole in it, and some sort of fixture (a hinge, maybe) attached to the tack of the mainsail (photo), which I'm guessing is used to attach the boom, but I cannot figure out how this part attaches to the mast. I'm thinking it might need to go into the flared part of the mast. Additionally, this piece looks significantly tweaked (photo), so I don’t know if it’s workable either. Most importantly, I'm wondering if there is some support at the back of the boom, like a boom top lift. I don't see anything like that among the pile of stuff I emptied out of the boat, onto my garage floor. I've been trying to find another Clipper Marine to look at, but I've had no luck looking on foot. Can someone give my a clue? Maybe send me some photos! Or possibly let me see their boat . . . Anything!!!!!