I switched from end of boom sheeting to mid boom on my Bristol 35.5, keeping the old boom which has a 5" round profile. The boom has developed a distinct curve at the sheeting bails, likely due to exuberant sheeting by my
race crew. I have the opportunity to buy a bigger boom off a
Catalina 40, about a 4-1/2" x 7" squarish oval section. The gooseneck bolt fits. I will have to shorten it; the ends are cast, riveted in place and minimally corroded. The foot is designed for a bolt
rope, but it looks like my slides should fit. I am uncertain about the dimensions/position of the tack shackle, but that should be able to be worked around. It seems that the reeling system is much better. There is a vang attachment fitting and two mainsheet attachment points; they slide in a groove and should be readily adjustable. I do not have a
dodger or other obstructions that it needs to clear.
Any downside to going with a bigger boom? The weight and windage increase seems minimal relative to the improvement in stiffness.