Selden Rodkicker 05 — Instructions

Rodkicker 05 Technical Specification (595-900-E)

Max. boom length E (m) by boom height above deck XBH

Values copied as printed in the table.

A. Fitting the Gas Spring

For a Rodkicker without gas spring go straight to B.

1. Remove the upper bushing by pressing both snap-fasteners at the same time.
2. Withdraw the small tube.
3. Shake the lower end-plug out of the larger tube.
4. Unwrap the gas spring and grease its threads – keep grease off the piston rod.
5. Screw the thin end of the gas spring into the lower end-plug.
6. Hold the wire clear and push the gas spring into the larger tube, thin end with the end-plug first.
7. Fit the upper bushing into the spacer tube.
8. Insert the spacer tube into the smaller tube, upper bushing inside and facing down.
9. Screw the gas spring into the upper end-plug.
10. Slide the small tube into the larger tube, with the gliding insert in place around it.
11. Push the bushing down and lock it with its snap-fasteners.

B. Fitting the Rodkicker

1. Fit the boom slider/bracket so it can still move along the boom. With a fixed boom fitting, take great care not to damage the Rodkicker in the next steps.
2. Fit the Rodkicker to the boom and mast fittings; the slider must be free so the Rodkicker takes no compression yet.
3. Hoist the mainsail and sheet in hard, making sure the Rodkicker does not "bottom".
4. Holding that boom position, compress the Rodkicker with its tackle until the upper fitting just touches the upper bushing / buffer bearing. With a gas spring fitted this takes 600–5000 N (60–500 kg).
5. The slider moves during this step: mark its new position.
6. Provisionally fix the slider about 5 mm (3/16") AFT of the mark.
7. Hoist again and check the Rodkicker does not bottom – repeat with every reef.
8. Let the boom rest and check its height against the sprayhood, windscreen, lifelines etc.
9. Secure the slider in its permanent position.

In harbour or under power, hold the boom level with a topping-lift strop or the main halyard.

C. Shortening the Rodkicker

The Rodkicker 05 can be shortened up to 125 mm without shortening the wire.

1. Dismantle following steps A1 to A3.
2. Cut the smaller tube at its lower end.
3. Drill two new ø8.5 mm holes, 20 mm from the cut end, for the gliding inserts.
4. Cut the spacer tube by the same amount (e.g. 110 mm off the smaller tube = 110 mm off the spacer tube).
5. Reassemble following steps A4 to A11 (gas-spring Rodkicker only).