You are seeing the natural results of the forces involved.
The very small separation at the bottom and the closed
gap at the top is an expected consequence. Over the
years this situation has remained stable.

Remember that the bales are each held in place with
four machine screws which are threaded through the
aluminum and into the galvanized iron pipes. The force
is thus distributed into the iron pipes which then pull
down on the boom for a length of about five feet and
spread the load in a manner much superior to the
original set up.

I hope this molifies you.

S.Simon

("Bobsprit" wrote in message ...
Why not go to sea with it? There are pipes inside that you cannot be
seen. Somebody once said a sleeve is the best repair.

No, the best repaire is a proper unbroken boom! The crack is NOT even! Clearly
COMPRESSED at the top and pulling apart at the base.
Have another look!

http://www.homestead.com/captneal/files/Boomrepair.jpg

Sorry to rain on your parade, even if said parade is very cheap sails on
damaged spars!

Capt RB
C&C 32
NY