UFO sound, deck stepped mast, cheap topping lift

[Ketchgould]

With little wind at anchor or slip we get a pervasive UFO noise on our 32' sloop.

If I lower boom on lifeline, noise goes away. My topping lift is undersized.

Any ideas on getting rid of noise?


Christian Gould
St. Paul, MN
S/V Sea Dog
Apostle Islands Lake Superior

[model 10]

The boom on our boat makes noise. It's the wind blowing through it. I like it. There are 2 different notes coming from it at the same time. A musical friend was jealous, he can only do one at a time. If it were discordant, I would seal off one end

[Ketchgould]

Sounds nice. Our boom is wood.


Christian Gould
St. Paul, MN
S/V Sea Dog
Apostle Islands Lake Superior

[roverhi]

Switched the wire topping lift to a small diameter Dyneema line. Fist time we got any wind, had this obnoxious bass hum. Looked all over the boat for a day or two without being able to locate it. Happened to tug on the boom and the sound changed pitch. The Dyneema line makes a good guitar string. Will replace the very small diameter line with 3/16" line one of these days to see if that eliminates the hum. Fortunately, the wind has to be blowing 10k or more and the topping lift taut for it to sing so no problem sailing.