Barefoot Boom

[toddrswenson]

I was wondering if anyone has any pictures of their boat set up with a barefoot boom. I talked with Mike Seipel today, of Barefoot International, and he recommended the straight boom over the contoured for my boat. I have a 1997 Ski Nautique. He also recomended that I purchase a boom height adjuster to lower the height of the boom and an extension to get out past the spray. I was glad I talked with him because I already have a straight boom from a friend of mine. I always thought that I needed the contoured boom until I talked with him. I'm going to be teaching my kids how to ski not barefoot with it. Any tips or advice on setting it up would be helpful.

[AirTool]

RE: Barefoot Boom

Straight boom is just fine. The "curved" straight is okay, too. You do not want the countour boom.

Some like the adjuster...some don't. I bought a nice (3/4"?) chrome Craftsman wrench to keep in the boat and I'm happy without the adjuster. You can fine tune the height better w/o the adjuster. IMO, you have more chance of the boom falling out of the boat when you pull that pin out. Plus it is expensive which might be why he recommends it. Too bad BI doesn't have a nice clamp like the Skylon/ECI(?).

The extension might be a good idea for skiers to get them out of the chine spray. Go watch some videos on youtube and take a look for yourself. If training is at a slow enough speed, there probably won't be any chine spray. Check the videos. The extension will make it heavier and more awkward to set up and store. Again, another added expense. If you chose to go back and forth (with then without) you have to adjust the cables which is a PITA. There is a smaller handle extension that might help some if you need it and it doesn't change the cable length.

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....=15202&start=0

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....highlight=boom

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Barefoot Boom

I always had an extension on my SN and my BFN. I think it gives the rider a better ride with less spray.

[greatwhitenorth]

Barefoot Boom

I use the Barefoot International contour boom with height adjuster and extension. I find the contour allows me to install the boom in a way that lets the mounting bracket sit low enough to the floor and keep the fly high in place. It also provides a little more room for the seat to move back. I have an 2004 196 and the extension is a must on this boat imo to keep the rider out of the spray. I have dealt with Mike from BI and Lane from Footers Edge and they have always steered me in the right direction.

[slob02]

RE: Barefoot Boom

I also use the contour boom...........which also allows me to keep my Fly-High pole on.

[harddock]

RE: Barefoot Boom

I use a Sky Jac boom and only to teach kids. it has the somewhat "s" shape and the height is easily adjustable. I have zip tied a soft grip handle close to the boom so little hands can grip better than on just the boom. It has been a very successfl learning tool.
I too can use the boom and a fly high pole together.

[Mikeski]

RE: Barefoot Boom

I prefer the ECI aggressor boom with the camlock clamp over the BFI boom. Easy to adjust or remove without any tools.

[teamwolfpack]

RE: Barefoot Boom

i'm looking at a super air v-drive is it possable to use a barefoot boom with it?i'm new to the nautique world.looking for some help.

[AirTool]

Re: RE: Barefoot Boom

i'm looking at a super air v-drive is it possable to use a barefoot boom with it?i'm new to the nautique world.looking for some help.

Here is a great deal on a used one. Then just order the outer piece new from BI or find a used on.

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....highlight=boom