BF Boom Gunnel protection?

Mike, if your boat is roughly similar to Scott's boat, then you should have the option to mount a universal contour either forwards or backwards and still not interfere with the tower (or windshield).

Ive climbed onto a boom or 2, so count me as worried if the boom is resting on the corner of the gunnel! I cant recall which boat I saw with the damage, but I know Ive seen it. Brad's '86 has some damaged vinyl in that spot as well. All it takes is a weird fall and that boom can move around a bit, so Ill keep my ugly cushion.

We added a step pad that matched the ones on the gunnel in the back to our Malibu. It provided protection against scuffing and spread the load to reduce gel cracking. It also allowed people to enter the boat more forward without stepping where they didn't belong. I think a boom on the Skylark may flip it, so I don't plan on trying that.

Keith

I used my straight BI boom on my 88 all last season with nothing other than the clear hard plastic sleeve that came on the boom. No signs of spider cracks even though the boom falls right on a corner of the gunnel when used in any way other than the straight out the boat (kids height).

Of course after reading this thread, now I'm paranoid about looming spider cracks and plan to use a cushion this upcoming season.

Regarding the extension, why the hell didn't Siepel just make the boom longer to start with? Make it a 3 piece or something. The BI product seems to be well built but pricey. Plus all the BI "nice to have" accessories (I.e. not 1 but 2 recommended extensions, gunnel saver, height adjuster, kids smaller diameter handle, etc.) is even more costly. I did w/o the extension last year and got blasted with that chine spray all season. My ski partner purchased an extension for us over the winter so I'm really looking forward to checking out the difference.

Thoroughly enjoyed the boom last year btw. At $250, you did real good.