Adding a boom vang

[SteveHughessails]

I would like to add a boom vang to our Mac. I’m not going to add a traveller. I’m hoping you can give us some advice. I’m not too interested in purchasing a vang or a boom kicker kit etc. I’m hoping I can just use a boom bail. Looking for ideas to attach a vang to the mast before I spend a day in the shop making an ugly home made pivoting bracket.
Thanks for any and all ideas.

Cheers

 

[PaulK]

It might help if you could post a photo of the base of your mast where the vang is going to go. Using a block and tackle with a boom bail is nothing new, but you will want a strong attachment at the mast. You could lash a shackle there, but the lashing might interfere with other things - thus the need for a photo.

 

[justsomeguy]

I would like to add a boom vang to our Mac.

Garhauer sells a nice mast base plate.

 

[Foswick]

A bail at each end (mast and boom) will do just fine. I know you don't want a kit, but take a look at this: Boom Vang, Harken,C-25 With 2 Bails <-85 That lays out the components for a similar-sized rig that would serve as a good reference. But, as pointed out, a base plate is a nice option at the mast end that might actually be easier on that boat, and only a few dollars more than a bail. I heartily endorse anything from Garhauer.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Thanks guys,
I’ll post a picture of the base with the mast unstepped. I’ll look at the kit too. I do like the idea of a bail at each end. Would you want to drill and install a thru bolt right through the mast and boom or? I would be concerned about rounding the holes out, making them larger.

The Mac is very lightly rigged. The only thing at the bottom of the mast is the neatly stored halyards.

 

[SteveHughessails]

I can see the plate, that's a good idea. Wouldn't know which one to order
I found this picture.

 

[Tally Ho]

I originally had a rope vang on my O’Day 322…you can see the top end in this photo…


Sorry, I don’t have a photo of the bottom of the vang.

i later replaced the rope vang with a Seldon rigid vang…


Greg

 

[SteveHughessails]

Nice setup. I have a rope vang on the Hunter. I’m going to use it on the Mac until I get the Hunter finished. Once I get the Hunter in the water we will likely add a traveller, then..then....... it’s starting lol.


(Beginners comment, please correct if I’m wrong)
In case anyone is wondering, I’m installing a boom vang as we don’t have a traveller. When I let the main sheets out the boom swings out and up. When the boom goes up it changes the shape of the sail. With the boom vang we can keep the boom down thus keeping better trim.

 

[PaulK]

I can see the plate, that's a good idea. Wouldn't know which one to order
I found this picture.

If that's the base of your mast in the photo, the simplest solution would be to use the bolt that holds the mast in place to also hold a bail for your vang. No need to mess with putting another hole in the mast. If that doesn't appeal there must be some sort of padeye that comes on a slider thet will go down the slot at the aft side of the mast and then get tightened In place there.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Thanks Paul
I had the same thought. Appreciate it.

 

[...3TacksontheWater]

SteveHughessails:

So, I should I infer from your posts that, you really do not have a traveler? I’ve seen that occasionally in fact, when I purchased Waffle House someone indeed had removed the traveler and placed an eyebolt in the middle of the stern rail where the traveler should have been Installed. Luckily, the PO did recall that he had something like what I was describing in the shed and sure enough (and fortunately for me since replacement traveler extrusions are no longer available for the New Design C22) Waffle House’s traveler is is back on her stern rail where it belongs.

Regarding Boom Vangs, Boom Kickers and Travelers, each play and perform a different, yet interrelated function. The basic function of the Boom Kicker is to keep the boom out of the cockpit where it tends to want to go when you are either raising or lowering sails. It can (and I imagine often does) replace the traditional Topping Lift in function. It replaces a Topping Lift with aplomb IMO. If you already have a Topping Lift, keep it as a spare halyard or something for just in case you need it. The Boom Kicker, comes into play to control the shape of the sail both in heavy and light airs. A well designed/adjusted/installed Boom Kicker accommodates the various adjustments of the boom vang under all points of sail. The Boom Vang is used to flatten or, twist the sail to spill air out of the mainsail preventing overpowering in heavy winds. Lastly the Traveler controls where your mainsheet attaches to the boat depending on the wind and point of sail. This allows for more subtle sail adjustment. All three of these sailing tools impact sail shape, speed through the water, overall safety and boat handling.

I just installed my first ever boom kicker on WH’s last haul out. After the first few sails this year, I can’t say enough good things about it.

George

 

[SteveHughessails]

Thank you George.
I have been fortunate that I have found a team of racers willing to have me back each week. I have been enjoying that. Also, for the last 3 Saturday’s (one more to go) wifey and I have been taking lessons. Again extremely fortunate to be out on an instructors vessel being taught. We’ve heaved to, anchored....etc. The race boat is a C&C 27 and the instructions are happening on a C&C 25. Both fully rigged each with boom kickers, travellers and self tailing winches (love them) I’m learning so much, it’s incredible. This is all thanks to the local yacht club.

I am between vessels right now thus my choice to add a simple boom vang to my simple Mac. We have a Hunter 240. I’m just lifting it to service the keel. Once we experience sailing it, we have to decide which one we’ll keep. Then comes the traveller etc.. (and likely solo sailing lol)

Thanks again