Briefly, the Original Boombrake is a boombrake as well as a gybing regulator, which controls upward and horizontal movement of the boom. No need for a crewmember constantly occupied with the mainsail. No need for the skipper to be constantly on the lookout. The Original Boombrake consists of brakedrum with a helicoidal groove, set between two trapezoidal plates and suspended from the boom at the normal boom vang position. Two arms at the base of the plate guide the line which is secured on the port side, goes around the drum, then through a turning block on the starboard side where it is led back to a cockpit winch or a block and tackle system. Its construction is amazingly simple and robust, with ease of installation and maintenance.  

The Original Boombrake operates on the principle of using the natural energy of the wind and tension on the line adjusted by the crew. The stronger the wind, the greater the friction on the line against the drum and the greater the braking effect on the boom, which is now moving slowly, gently, or barely at all. No part of the device is in motion. The Boombrake is immensely strong, made in Australia of anodized marine-grade alloy, saving all-important weight on the boom. The 8mm or 14mm line (not sold with the Original Boombrake) should be low stretch such as a double braid. The diameter of the line should be a little smaller than the width of the groove of the drum. Wear of the line is significant since there are no moving parts and rigging the Original Boombrake is no more difficult than setting up a standard vang.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model    & Price	Weight (kg)	Dimensions	Material	Line Size	Suits Approx. Boat Size	Max. Mainsail Size
Boom 203 $354	1.97 kg	230 x 190 x 43mm	Hard Anodised Marine Grade Alloy	8mm	28' - 39'	30m2 (323 sq ft)
Boom 403 $437	3.54 kg	230 x 190 x 72mm	Hard Anodised Marine Grade Alloy	14mm	40' - 60'	55m2 (592 sq ft)