I currently own an ECI boom that I use on my 1998 Sanger DXII Barefooter. I like the pylon clamp
for attaching the boom to the pylon. The clam-shell design is one of the most innovative that I
have seen. The design makes it very easy to adjust the height of the boom without using any
tools. The inside of the clamp has a non-skid pad that came loose during the first season of use,
making the height adjustment more of a challenge. The boom itself is made of T6061 aluminum
that is a common material used for making booms. The boom is attached to the front of the boat
using coated steel cables. However, the material that connects the front clip to the steel cables is
actually a nylon strap with plastic clips. This nylon strap is relatively thin and only about an inch
wide. This material failed during use (with a skier on the boom) during the second season of use.
We were very fortunate that the skier using the boom escaped without serious injury since the
steel cables actually hit him in the leg but did not wrap around it. I am personally aware of one
other such incident and have heard from others who know of similar incidents involving ECI
booms. I would recommend that any skier using ECI booms (and probably any boom or extended
pylon for that matter) inspect the nylon strap on a regular basis or, better yet, replace it. The
nylon strap is hidden by the padded bow protector so wear is not seen without removing this bow
protector. I replaced the nylon strap with a vinyl coated steel cable and have not had any more
problems.
The ECI boom is also very difficult to use on the drivers side of my Sanger. While it is possible to
use it on that side, the drivers seat has to be pushed all the way forward. Even so, the boom
ripped a hole in the back of the drivers seat. Other ECI boom owners have complained of the
same thing. The height of the boom is a problem as well while on the drivers side. Even with the
pylon clamp practically on the floor of the boat, it is not possible to get the boom high enough for
jumping. An appropriate height can be obtained using 2-3 seat cushions.
While I am relatively happy with the boom overall, I cannot recommend it unless the very serious
safety issue discussed above is addressed by the manufacturer. As of last summer, retailers were
still selling ECI booms with the very narrow nylon straps and plastic clips connecting to the front of
the boat.
ECI Booms
by Thor Thordarson
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