Need a nice, low cost jib boom for your 36/600 or Marblehead? Here is a possible opportunity that may be worth looking into.
First, a jib boom must be lightweight. Too heavy and the jib sail needs more effort to work. The second item is it must be strong enough to be able to take the sail loads. Last is the cost, you shouldn't need to spend a lot of money to have one.
The answer is carbon fiber arrow shafts. As we all know, arrow shafts have been used for some time. Recently, carbon fiber arrow shafts offer better results. So what is the secret?
Small 1/4-inch outside diameter arrow shafts. To obtain them, go to an archery store and ask for used arrows, which have the 1/4-inch diameter shafts. The costs for the ones I have purchased has been around $2.00.
To attach the jib's sail to the jib boom, use small 3/8-inch diameter hole rubber grommets (see attached drawings.) They can be purchased at your local hardware store for a few cents each. Last, there are several ways to attach the jib lines to the grommets. I use very small gauge wire, either aluminum or steel, both works well.
As for the weight to the carbon fiber jib boom rig, just one to one and a half grams! You can't beat that.