445/455/458 - Groaning noise in boom from 2nd reef

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Groaning noise in boom from 2nd reef

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Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 445/455/458
Forum Description: 445/455/458 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15155
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:40
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Topic: Groaning noise in boom from 2nd reef

Posted By: S&J
Subject: Groaning noise in boom from 2nd reef
Date Posted: 31 May 2025 at 08:31

I have just started to get a persistent groaning noise inside the boom when using the second reef. This occurs as the sail moves due to gusts or waves.

I've got the Selden diagrams on the internal workings of the reef in the boom, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried removing the outer boom end fitted to access these. Any tips I should be aware of?

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H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising

Replies:

Posted By: marsella
Date Posted: 31 May 2025 at 09:55

I do have some particular sound coming from the boom under certain wind conditions, but with my furling main the boom is pretty much like an empty pipe, and so far I attributed this sound to a standing air wave...same as in organ pipe Smile

...but maybe there is more to it Disapprove

Posted By: kipwrite
Date Posted: 31 May 2025 at 12:44

I've removed the end fitting previously when I replaced a damaged reefing line. It's a bit of a fiddly job. As I recall removing the screws is fairly straightforward. You'll likely need to loosen all the lines and use a soft mallet to get the end fitting to budge - mine was quite crusty upon removal.

The two slides in the boom run on metal tracks that don't seem to be lubricated, and I've always thought the groaning inside my boom when reefed was the result of these slides shifting around under strain.

Make sure you have a strong light or two and some very long objects (battens?) with hooks on the end may come in handy - and make use of messenger lines if you run out of rope as you move things around. Might be a good time to replace some shivs as long as you are in there.

Good luck.

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Kipwrite