UNIFIBER MODULAR BOOMS CONCEPT

Unifiber have introduced a Modular Booms Concept, but what exactly is it and why? We hear from Unifiber's Product Developer, Jorren Eggenkamp, to find out more.

- Jorren Eggenkamp

What is the Modular Booms Concept and where did the idea come from?

Innovation in modern booms has reached a plateau, with only minor features subject to change or experimentation, while the core design has remained relatively static over the years. We approached the boom not as a single, monolithic piece of equipment, but as a modular system—a synergy of parts that can be swapped or upgraded as needed. The idea began by identifying the boom head as a critical component. It transmits all the forces acting on the rig, and even the best boom tubes will underperform if the connection between the boom and mast is weak or insecure.

Second, we noticed that sailors often discard entire booms when only one component breaks, even though the rest of the boom remains in perfect condition. This wasteful practice inspired us to develop a modular system where individual parts could be replaced, extending the life of the boom and reducing unnecessary waste.

Taking this concept further opens the door for sailors to customise their setups to better suit their preferences. To make the Modular Booms Concept practical, the replacement of individual parts needed to be intuitive. Functionality is key: sailors should be able to disassemble and reassemble parts in seconds, without the need for specialised tools. Additionally, replacement parts must be easily accessible and simple to find.

What are the benefits of the MBC for the everyday sailor (compared to the similar products on the market)?