Boom safety
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: Ski, Ride and Foot Talk
Forum Discription: Share photos, techniques, discuss equipment, etc.
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=37583
Printed Date: November-15-2024 at 4:14pm
Topic: Boom safety
Posted By: Cumby
Subject: Boom safety
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 4:20pm
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I had friend who nearly lost his arm and had permanent disability with it after a bow cable on their boom snapped. Since then I have been a little leery of them and just not sure about their overall safety.. I would like to get one to help my kids with learning and to use for some footing occasionally. Has anyone else run across any serious injuries or safety concerns while using a boom? ------------- 99 Ski Nautique GT40 |
Replies:
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 4:38pm
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Wow. I have never heard of an accident like that. That is a tough one, but I wouldn't let it deter you. A few guidelines: Make sure you buy a quality boom from one of the big name suppliers. Make sure to inspect it on a regular basis, attachment to pylon, cables, connections. If you see any fraying at all, don't use it. I am sure the manufacturers will replace frayed cable or even maybe a local service. I think Eddie just reported getting his replaced by a local vendor of some sort. Make sure turnbuckles or cable blocks are tight and in good condition. Do not be chincy with your hooks to connect the cables to the bow eye. Use quality hooks. Be sure you have a two cable, not a one cable boom. Make sure you properly instruct the users of the boom and do not tolerate any actions other than the standard approaches you see on here. If you are careful and have quality equipment, I think everyone will be safe. ------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: Cumby
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 4:59pm
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From what I understand the company claimed they over tightened the cable. My friends dad said there weren't clear instructions on connecting it. I dont think the manufacturer had much of a defense. Would it be a better idea to avoid used ones? ------------- 99 Ski Nautique GT40 |
Posted By: DHart
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 4:59pm
| Can you tell us a little more about the accident? Was your friend that got hurt the skier or a passenger? Like Larry, I have not heard of an accident like that on a boom. |
Posted By: Cumby
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 5:03pm
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He was footing on the boom. The cable broke and when the boom gave way he let go. Unfortunately the cable wrapped around his arm and the boat didnt stop immediately. ------------- 99 Ski Nautique GT40 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 5:07pm
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Glen, What actually was the failure point. You did mention cable. If it was the cable where was the failure? At a connection or in the middle? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Cumby
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 5:10pm
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Im not sure exactly. I heard most of everything after it happened from my parents talking to his about it. Kind of a sensitive subject to ask about specific details too. Ill try to see if my folks remember anything more about where it gave way. Im hoping this was very isolated incident. Wasn't sure if anyone else had heard of something like it. ------------- 99 Ski Nautique GT40 |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 6:25pm
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Well in that case Larry wouldn't a 1 cable boom be safer? 50% chance of this happening! Without more details this is a pretty useless warning. |
Posted By: lcgordon
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 6:34pm
The OP was not really a warning but more of a question to see if this is a one time thing or if it happens frequently. It also seems as a great warning to not only be safe but to check equipment in whatever you are doing because something like this is just not worth is. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 6:37pm
so is it a warning or not? lol |
Posted By: lcgordon
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 6:54pm
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It was not an actual warning but a question but the reader would hopefully think twice and check there gear. Its defiantly not useless is what im saying. It should not matter if it broke at the end or the middle or at the boom clamp or what ever. I would hope people would remember this story and think twice and check all there gear before using. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 6:59pm
| So a statement or event that indicates a possible or impending danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation? |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 7:00pm
Landis, The point of failure is VERY important especially since this is a warning for people to check their equipment. Cables do not normally break mid point. It's typically at a fitting and typically an improper fitting or an improper install. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 7:06pm
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I know of many people that have purchased and installed used booms with no problems. I have taught many kids how to ski with my used BI Boom. ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 7:14pm
| Sorry Larry but I still have to laugh at the 2 vs 1 cable comment. The 1 cable on a Bemman boom is bigger than the cable used on say BI 2 cable booms. Think of a later Ski Nautique with the 1 exhaust outlet vs 2. You have to look at the total area. Besides, most 2 cable booms are set up so poorly that 1 cable is slacking and never does any work! |
Posted By: lcgordon
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 7:14pm
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Landis, The point of failure is VERY important especially since this is a warning for people to check their equipment. Cables do not normally break mid point. It's typically at a fitting and typically an improper fitting or an improper install. [/QUOTE] Not saying that the actual reason is not important because it very much is so. But not knowing does not make it a pointless warning like stated before. Hearing that somebody almost got their arm ripped off because of equipment failure should hopefully remind ppl to check all there gear periodically weather its the boom cable or the screws and inserts on their skis. Thats atleast what I would think people would do but hey maybe not. But now this is getting kinda pointless so never mind just go ski. |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 7:45pm
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I think it's a very valid question and a honest concern. It's a tragic accident for sure but we as Skiers know the risk every time we hit the water. You could easily fall and hit your head on a submerged log that is hiding under the surface of the water. Accidents ARE going to happen. It's the nature of the beast. I had a huge gash under my ankle from the fin off my Slalom ski years ago. I wiped out, came out of the binding and the somehow the fin cut my ankle on front foot....how the heck did it happen?....FREAK ACCIDENT... I was more peeved that my Ski day was over for a while as I had to butterfly it back together and wait for it to heal. IMHO I think the same applies here....I too have a used Boom I bought off a member here and have used it to teach many Skiers including my daughters.. As mentioned above its the owners responsibility to make sure his equipment is safe to use. If it isn't remove it from use until it is fixed or replaced. I wouldn't hesitate to by a used Boom provided it was well maintained. Been on this sight for a long time and this is the first time I've heard of a cable snapping..Thousands of hours in use just here....Boom bending YES! Video of that exists..... ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 8:35pm
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We had both cables rip out of the crimps. No one was hurt, but it did break a motorbox hinge. Only one barrel crimp on each cable. So, Here's how I fixed it.  |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 8:48pm
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Al, You get a big F with cable repair. I would be embarrassed showing that picture. The turn back is to short and you didn't remove the plastic coating on the cable. Did you check for the proper # of clamps for the size of cable or just put on as many as you could with the length of the turn back? Did you torque the clamp bolts to the proper spec? At least you used a thimble. I suggest replacing the cable and the clamps before you have a problem. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 9:12pm
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Yes Pete, you would be embarrassed. And you get a big F, for not wearing your glasses. The loops are the exact same ECI factory spec. The coating IS Removed. See the red and blue replacement coating. I know it's ugly. I know your boom is probably way better than anyone else's. But mine works without ripping out. So, now you know how to make your pretty one safe when it breaks. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 9:28pm
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Sorry Al, you are correct that I didn't see that you did remove the cable coating before attaching the tiller clamps. You are wrong about my boom looking better since I don't own one. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: baitkiller
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 10:02pm
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Just a heds up for those looking to make this stuff a bit better. I need to adjust my cables as well. Eddie gave me a nice eye roll watching me rig it up last month. Anyway this stuff is exactly what is used on sailboat lifelines. Walk into any West Marine and in the back you will will find a peg board filled with nice SS Sta-lock terminals , shackles, French clips, turnbuckles and bulk cable. Next to the peg board will be a bench and Sta-lock press. They do not charge for crimping this stuff up and it would be a huge upgrade from the stock configuration of crimp clamps. Maybe if I get some Ill re-do mine and post a DIY. Any interest in that? ------------- Jesus was a bare-footer............. |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 10:33pm
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Yes, the Sta-Lok's are a beautiful piece of hardware. But I'm not seeing an end that would work well with nylon straps. |
Posted By: Riley
Date Posted: October-26-2015 at 10:37pm
| I think it's good to share experiences with equipment failures/injuries because stuff does happen and the more you know, the more you can prevent it. Seems to me an important rule is you never have anyone behind the boom in case it lets go. Great idea to check over the boom/fly high connections. I was pulling my very intermediate nephew slalom skiing about 20 years ago and he took a very unspectacular fall on a turn. His face hit the tip of the ski and he had a gash in his eye brow, a broken nose, broken cheek bone and a crushed eye socket. He still has breathing problems and I feel bad about it. Nothing anyone could have done to prevent it, but stuff does happen. Barefooting is an intense sport. Good to check your equipment and keep an eye on newbies in the boat. |
Posted By: marlo14
Date Posted: October-27-2015 at 12:16am
| I want to say I have heard of someone getting hurt from a boom cable incident. Don't remember if a cable broke or what but I remember it was determined the cables (it was a two cable boom) were not adjust properly so only the one received the load from the boom and when it was subject to a shock load it caused whatever to break or come loose. Like anything, if not install correctly, used as designed, or maintained....your risk of an accident rises significantly. |
Posted By: jhersey29
Date Posted: October-27-2015 at 12:21am
| Earlier in the post someone mentioned the cable was over tightened. I'm trying to get this figured out in my head how that is even possible. The cable usually is only tightened to the point of minimal slack and the skier weight actually tightens it up. Did they attach a come along to the boom and back of the boat and tight the heck out of it? It would seriously take some leverage to stress those cables. I've been using booms for 25 years and never had a BI boom failure. I'm a bit wreck loose as well and tend to push equipment but I still take care of it at the same time. Sounds like some one neglected thier equipment and didn't replace a cable when it was needed. I've seen al sorts of manufacturing defects so anything is possible. Taking risk is part of all sports and personally if they weren't a little dangerous I'm not sure I'd even enjoy them. I trust my boom way more than I trust the other weekend warriors on the lake. |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: October-27-2015 at 12:27am
Amen !!!!!!!!!!! Them dang tubers are more dangerous. ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: October-27-2015 at 1:03am
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Don I imagine in your second job travels you have seen some horrific equipment failures. Oh the humanity. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: October-27-2015 at 8:45am
Oh yes, when a brass pole fails with a fat boy ten feet in the air, you never can plan for a good landing. You have to love your Art and hope your Art loves you back.  ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: NCH20SKIER
Date Posted: October-27-2015 at 9:07am
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I am guilty of pushing the limits of the equipment that I have and have never heard of a failure - does this mean they do not happen, we all know better. What needs to be considered is why it happened and what if any events contributed to the event. The equipment we use is engineered for a specific purpose within certain parameters, when we ignore or "discount" (or simply do not follow them at all) the manufacturers recommendations the level of risk for such an injury increases. As a skier / footer / wake boarder or heck even a tuber you have a responsibility to understand the risks you are taking when you grab the handle or flop onto the tube, the risks include the equipment being used, the set up of the equipment, driver capability etc. When you grab the handle and say go boat / hit it you have accepted the risk of what you are doing and who is operating the boat.... Check your equipment at not less than the frequency recommended in the instructions that came with it, call the manufacturer or go on-line (I personally have called both Lane Bowers and Mike Sieple for clarifications and equipment limitations of the BI Products). And for what it is worth I probably using what was one of the most bent booms (a good 6" sweep in the far end) due to my size, inexperienced driver, incorrect body position and refusing to let loose of the handle. Interestingly enough when the cables were checked there was no sign of movement in the "blocks" and the boom still is in service (albeit a bit straighter) today without issue. Check your gear often, inform your skiers of your expectations and what their expectations of you should be and have fun. ------------- '05 206 Limited '88 BFN |
Posted By: Cumby
Date Posted: October-27-2015 at 2:59pm
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Talked with my Dad last night and didn't get much more as to what happened. He thinks the cable did break but doesn't know where it gave way. From what he understands, it got wrapped around his arm and drug him briefly before the boat could stop. It ripped his arm wide open . Some of you guys are talking about reinforcing the cables. For those that do, do you not feel the manufacturer's connections are strong enough? I'm wondering if replacing the cables after so many years would be a best practice. I also wonder if the worst thing you could do is to let go if the boom fails...trusting the drivers reactions to stop as fast as possible. ------------- 99 Ski Nautique GT40 |
Posted By: kapla
Date Posted: October-28-2015 at 2:40am
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I'll add about a fatal accident that happened back in the ninties down here. I was told about so details are vague. Guy was owner of the only Mastercraft barefooter that exist in Argentina. So he was skiing and the cable broke, boom swing back and he smashed his head against Stern of the boat. End of story for the guy. The boat is in the same marina where I keep mine. As far as I know never been skied since then. Tried to buy it, but no succession was made on the boat, still registered to the guy. ------------- <a href="">1992 ski nautique |
Posted By: AAM196
Date Posted: October-28-2015 at 3:51pm
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I would say inspect your equipment periodically... chances are the cables were showing wear LONG before they snapped. I wouldn't have a problem using a good well conditioned boom. Never knew of any accidents caused by one failing. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-28-2015 at 4:43pm
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Over 20,000 people in the US die annually from falling down on land jhersey, I think Cumby meant the eye at the bow was pinched/over-tightened which caused the failure, not from pulling back too much. So, don't squeeze your cable too much. DrCC, I'm not a huge fan of the nylon straps on the ECI either. I would adjust your loops the proper length to use 1 turnbuckle to the bow eye or make individual cable extensions. Can you or Pete tell me exactly what those connectors are called? Sta-lok is just a brand name and I can't find those on their site or brochures. I have seen that style used before on booms but to be honest they scare me in this application. I've never seen such connector in any type of rigging catalog or application before. A hand swage tool is only like $50. I finally broke down and bought one last year. It's come in handy shortening up several fixed-length boom cables now and replacing boat lift cables. Practically every extended pylon and boom MFG does their own thing terminating their cables, and they hardly ever follow industry approved fastening/crimping practices. |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: October-28-2015 at 8:44pm
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My ugly clamps are called Flush Clamps for wire rope. Not sure on the Sta-lok's. I first assumed Bait was talking about the swageless type, but then he mentioned crimping. Maybe he'll share which ones he was talking about' I should add that the failure with the ECI was that THEY installed the barrel crimp without removing the plastic coat. And I did inspect, they looked fine. edit: I probably should back up on that statement. The boom was used when I got it, so it is possible that someone made a repair before I got it. |
Posted By: baitkiller
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 9:28am
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I believe they are called gate terminals and are swadge type with built in adjusters, swivels and jam nuts. Use that with a good shackle and you are good to go. Remember guys I boat in sea water so stuff, even stainless stuff, doesn't last like it does for Y'all. Also due to my job I am around this hardware and evaluate failure mode daily. Eddie has to be rolling his eyes at that one after seeing my boom.! Ill get a pick and part number up this weekend. ------------- Jesus was a bare-footer............. |
Posted By: skutsch
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 10:01am
Late to this post, but they do break. Whilst skiing with jbear and Eddie in the spring of 2014, we were working on back deeps from the boom and my fat ass broke one of Eddie's cables on his boom (HW always said my back deeps were like pulling a stump, I guess he was right). The other cable kept it from swinging back and hitting anything. If I remember correctly it broke at the loop of the turnbuckle. The other plus is we were doing back deeps so we were slow. It was clearly a failure of the cable, which on examination was frayed - Eddie contributed it to age - I assume he meant the cable and not me...  So it is probably a good idea to inspect on a regular basis and look for obvious signs of the beginnings of failure; fraying, rust on the cable, etc. ------------- Our http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4669" rel="nofollow - 98 Sport Nautique My Dad's 63 Ski N |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 10:12am
Steve, Do you remember if the cable end had a thimble on it? Wire rope typically has a 5:1 safety factor for lifting and a 10:1 factor for a straight line pull over it's rated strength. As mentioned, failures are typically due to improper fittings and or the rigging of them. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: skutsch
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 10:55am
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Pete, I do not remember. It did not have one on it after it broke - HA! I don't remember looking at the other cable to see if it had one either. Eddie was a bit embarrassed and I was trying to move on so he wouldn't feel bad. No one got hurt, and we were all there to have fun, so don't worry about the cable/boom and lets move on. Especially when Jbear and Eddie are always such gracious hosts. Again, you could see where it had become corroded and frayed. Cables won't last forever, and in a wet environment, even in fresh water, eventually you are going to have corrosion. ------------- Our http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4669" rel="nofollow - 98 Sport Nautique My Dad's 63 Ski N |
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 10:59am
------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: backfoot100
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:12am
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So I'll throw my $.02 in here. Yes, I have had a boom cable failure. My boom cables were also not set up properly like HW stated. The boom came with the boat so the PO had set everything up. I tried to adjust the cables a few times but BI used an aluminum turnbuckle with steel bolts which had corroded and seized up. Not terribly mind you but enough that I didn't want to mess anything up by forcing something that shouldn't be forced. A couple years ago now Steve (Skutch) came down with his daughter to ski. She must weigh about 115# soaking wet and she could not get the courage to take her feet off the rope (shortline) to plant her feet. After she would sit up and keep her feet on the rope her body formed a severely exaggerated "V" with her butt being the bottom most part of the "V". This in turn causes one to plow at too slow of speed and then to start to porpoise with too much speed. The speed difference between plowing and porpoising is literally a couple MPH. Driving was extremely difficult because you went from plowing to porpoising and back to plowing with the slightest throttle changes due to the excessive drag in the plowing mode. That little thing put more strain on my boom than any 200+ lb. guy I've ever pulled. So I thought it would help if I showed her what she was doing wrong and how big of a difference it makes to do it right.. I'm telling you that I stressed that boom more than it's ever been stressed before and with John driving said he's never pulled anything with that much drag before. So a little later on Steve got on the shortline and one of the cables snapped right at the loop where it attaches to the bow eye with the carabiner. He felt bad and was wanting to pay for it being the super nice guy that he is. I know it was my antics that caused the failure and nothing he did wrong. That being said, a skiers technique makes a HUGE difference on the stress induced on a boom and it's cables and to have a cable break is really a freak accident. So this how I fixed it. I first decided to get rid of the aluminum OEM turnbuckles and put in some SS turnbuckles. Unfortunately, the OEM aluminum ones were much longer than I could find in a SS substitute so I had to improvise with some SS quick links to add some overall length. After all, cutting the loop off the cables and repairing them as well as putting a shorter turnbuckle on would make the overall cable length shorter than the OEM length. So this is what the OEM loop looked like. Yes, Pete the cable sheath is not stripped.  This is what I replaced the loops with on each cable at the bow eye that gets hooked to the carabiner. Yes, Pete I did torque them properly too. I put each one in my vise and then a 2' extension over the vice crank handle and tightened until I started to bend it. Perfectly torqued....LOL. I also plasti-dipped the loop which is why you might see some scuffing on the surface of it.  These are the turnbuckles that I got as well as the SS quick links. I'm sure someone will disagree with my choice of hardware which is fine. Each piece is rated at a minimum of 800# (turnbuckles and quick links) which is split between the two cables so you engineers can figure out if it's strong enough. I'm telling you that it's plenty strong and will last longer than the 30+ years that the OEM setup did. I may have to re-engineer it again if one of the OEM cable loops on the turnbuckles happen to break but all of them look as good as the one pictured. I also redid JBear's boom cables exactly the same way and the cables are now properly adjusted as they should be.  The finished product with new vinyl tubing.  I won't get into John's (Baitkiller) set up as I'm sure Pete would have to be admitted into some sort of therapy if he saw the improvised setup we did to make it through a day of skiing. In all fairness though, it was the first time that he's used the boom I think and it was clearly not setup for this boat either. Knowing John I'm guessing he'll be able to fix his boom cables better than I did so I'm not too worried about that. ------------- When people run down to the lake to see what's making that noise, you've succeeded. Eddie |
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:27am
Not that this thread is done, but here is my take away, and its a good and valuable one. I will be taking a look at all my cables and connections. I have an old turnbuckle style. Havent looked inside the sleeves in years. I had to redo the front connections 7 years ago when I got the used boom to bring it down to Ski Tique size. I didn't use those crimp type clamps, just some of these: Which I know are rusted. And Steve, talking about pulling tree stumps....I've taught a few people in the past year or two, one big kid in particular, who liked to do the drop your butt thing that must have put a huge strain on my boom. I think there is a chance I have been lucky. Definitely going to give it a good going over this winter. Good thread. ------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:40am
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Eddie, It sure looks like you surpassed the OEM rigging.  Next time CQ is down there, I wouldn't worry about putting him on the boom!  ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:44am
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John called those shackles I call them saddle clamps. Larry, did you at least put them on correctly? Never saddle a dead horse... I have never seen BI strip the sheathing back before crimping, or use thimbles. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:45am
What about one of his girlfriends? 
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Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:47am
Steve, My intent was not to criticize and I'm sorry if anyone took it that way. I, like other recommendations, are mentioning the importance of checking equipment and making sure it's done properly. Yup, one of these days I'd love to make it south for a visit. Without a doubt, I know John and Eddie are fantastic hosts. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:50am
Not a good practice. Anyone with a Bi should check their rigging. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:54am
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And do what? Cut off the ferrules and start over? Ya right... As I said earlier, very few boom manufacturers terminated any loop "properly". Anyway, BI now uses their own block of aluminum with set screws to make the loops, commonly referred to as a clamp block. |
Posted By: Toertel
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 11:56am
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I inspect the cables of the boom almost every time I mount it, since many times it is my son hanging on it afterwards....(overprotective dad at least when stuff is preventable) Our boom was bought new and has seen some use from a fat guy footing on it (me) and teaching many kids how to ski. I think the biggest strain it ever saw, was when my driver (aka the wife, so no yelling when she does something less ideal/HW you'll understand once your married for a couple of days), saw me take a nice faceplant and raced back to me, dipping the boom into the drink while power turning...Cable readjustment was needed. So inspect and thus prevent, it only takes 1 min ------------- 1994 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 12:07pm
If there are any signs of cable or even the plastic coating fraying or looseness of ferrules, then I'd sure start over. In industry, there are even OSHA regulations on cable and cable rigging.  ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: skutsch
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 12:07pm
No worries, Pete. I did not take it as a criticism. Just trying to provide as much information as I could remember. Speaking of TOTAL RECALL - Eddie, I had forgotten all that stuff leading up to the break, I just remember a beautiful sunny day on the lake with John and Eddie, my daughter and my Dad. Such great hospitality, some awesome skiing, great conversation and the wonderful noise coming from the exhaust pipes of the boat. After the boom broke we even got a couple long line runs in! ------------- Our http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4669" rel="nofollow - 98 Sport Nautique My Dad's 63 Ski N |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 12:21pm
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Current Barefoot International termination (boom & fly high). 3/16" cable http://s134.photobucket.com/user/kfleisch/media/boat%20parts/BI%20V-Drive%20Boom%203.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  http://s134.photobucket.com/user/kfleisch/media/boat%20parts/BI%20block%20screws.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  Skyjack, probably one of my favorites. IIRC also 3/16" cable http://s134.photobucket.com/user/kfleisch/media/boat%20parts/IMG_2108.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  Bemman. sheathing stripped but TIGHT loop and no thimble. These are actually 2 booms, each use a single cable. 7/32" cable? haven't gotten a good measurement http://s134.photobucket.com/user/kfleisch/media/boat%20parts/Bemman%20Clips.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  Straightline, the ONLY brand I've ever seen attempt to follow industry standard. 3/16" cable http://s134.photobucket.com/user/kfleisch/media/boat%20parts/IMG_3771.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  ECI (Skylon) pylon & boom cables double ferrules, thimbles no sheath stripping. 3/16" cable http://s134.photobucket.com/user/kfleisch/media/boat%20parts/Skylon%201.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  http://s134.photobucket.com/user/kfleisch/media/boat%20parts/IMG_2145.png.html" rel="nofollow">  The nylon straps and plastic adjusters are scary though... I would ditch these immediately and make cable extensions. |
Posted By: Cumby
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 12:22pm
So if I went with a new BI boom, or at least new cables does anyone still feel I should reinforce these? ------------- 99 Ski Nautique GT40 |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 12:24pm
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No. FYI to the masses, BI will gladly sell you individual boom sections or parts. If you happen to have a curved boom not doing you any good you can swap out just the inner (fat) section for say a straight piece. Conversely, if you have an older boom with the red cables and seized up turnbuckles you can simply buy the new outer section (skinny) that will come with longer black cables and then use the red set screw block. And here's my personal offer to anyone here needing boom work, just contact me. I have a hand swage crimper, ferrules, plasti-dip, and a little bit of cable on hand. I'll properly fabricate cable extensions for anybody that asks. Often times the older built-to-order booms don't fit longer boats OR become too short when using an extension. Then, chain links or a length of cable is needed. Eddie at least knows what I'm talking about... |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 12:37pm
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For 2 cable booms. ALWAYS make the inner cable slightly tighter. Once the load is applied on the end, the boom will flex and transfer tension to the outer cable. Karate chop the cables while a load is applied, I do this on land during setup. You'll be able to feel any major difference in tension. I can't tell you how many YouTube videos I watch of folks barefooting on a BI boom and the inside cable is bouncing up and down while the outer cable stays perfectly in place. This is a clear sign the outer cable is doing way more work... |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 12:49pm
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I'm tired of editing. Sorry for all the posts. Finally found DrCC's hardware searching "flush" wire rope clamps. I also found them used for rope. We used these on tether cables for display tools with security screws. Not something I'd really want to load up, no matter how many are used. Head in to a West Marine and let them crimp on some copper ferrules or just use the u-bolt style clips. http://www.e-rigging.com/double-ot-rope-clamp" rel="nofollow - http://www.e-rigging.com/double-ot-rope-clamp 
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Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 1:10pm
He said Boom....not BROOM!  ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: backfoot100
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 1:12pm
I completely agree with HW. Even with the non OSHA approved, less than ideal, Pete-less (is that a word???) engineering travesty that has been pointed out, BI is still probably the strongest boom and/or extended pylon out there. You'll have decades of trouble free use of that product without any fears at all. I went 30 years with one that was improperly adjusted from day one and it still took a self imposed, blatantly over-abused session to get it to finally fail. And that was just the improperly adjusted cable that was a touch too short. I'm not a huge fan of the clamp block that they use because it is a PITA to get properly adjusted. After using it a few times, I can almost guaranty that the loop on the clamp block will get stretched out a little bit and need readjustment. That or purposely make it just a tad too short to start with and it'll stretch out to the proper length with use....IMHO anyway. There are wwwwwaaaayyyyy too many other things in life to worry about than a boom cable breaking. ------------- When people run down to the lake to see what's making that noise, you've succeeded. Eddie |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 1:23pm
The "flush" clamps, are as I mentioned earlier, are commonly called "tiller" clamps. I've seen them loosen up when just handling a small outboard. It's hard to get any torque on the bolts. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: October-29-2015 at 1:47pm
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Dam! And I was just getting ready to ask if I could get a B minus or at least a C plus, and then give Larry my F for his really ugly clamps. It is good to see that ECI is now using twin barrels or ferrules. No matter if they are still on top of the jacket. I think I would trust those. With my Flushies, I did use blue loctite and torqued vigorously with 110v screwgun. But yeah, I'll probably change it to the 2 crimps. We need an OSHA Barefooter.  |
Posted By: GlassSeeker
Date Posted: November-14-2015 at 6:29pm
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If i bought a boom today it would be a newer BI. Two cables and a cable block. Works flawlessly and provides redundent safety. ------------- This is the life |