Hi Jon,

I agree that a line from the end of the boom, run forward, may be the optimal solution for long legs and passage making, when the boat is well off the wind. And it may be the best solution when the wind really pipes up.

But I believe there are many situations where a more optimal solution is a line from roughly a third the way aft on the boom, to a point near the aft shrouds, and led aft. When coastal sailing, with frequent tacks and jibes, few people are going to take the time to rig a preventer line forward after every tack or jibe. And yet the risk of an accidental jibe is just as real: coastal sailing is the sort of circumstance you're apt to have an inexperienced helmsperson, and inexperienced friends standing in the path of the boom. I take great comfort being able to snug the preventer immediately after a tack or jibe, from wherever I am in the cockpit, even while steering. It gives me total control of the boom at all times. I do not have to run forward, trusting someone else to steer, or trusting someone else to run forward and knowing what to do.

Furthermore, when the wind is between just aft the beam to a broad reach, the preventer from mid-boom to the aft shroud gives a much better leverage than would a line from the end of the boom to the bow.

The preventer on my boat is effective, is always rigged on both sides, and is so easy to use that it is used almost all the time we are reaching or off the wind - even when daysailing with frequent tacks and jibes.

Totally agree about aluminum toerails - they are useful in many ways.

All the best,(nl)Max