Hi all,

looking for for some advice re boom brakes.

I had a recent trip with lots of down wind travel, in light conditions with choppy seas. There was enough wind to set the main, most of the time. During periods of low wind the main bangs back and forwards with the swell, made for very uncomfortable travel. To settle the main I rigged a temporary rope from the boom, forward to the toe rail, with some tension on the rope to hold the boom "out". This worked fine and I am looking to set up a more peremnant system.

I am wondering though if I should just fit a boom brake, but am uncertain if they would work in the above situation?

I also recall seeing a reference to using to using rock climbing gear, some sort of friction drag, for this purpose. It was way cheaper that the sailing boom brakes. Is this a reasonable alternative?

Thoughts please?