Boom vang for Oday 20?

[Ben Legett]

When I purchased my 1975 Oday 20, there was no boom vang. Since this would really help performance (in light of the main sheet attachment being at the very end of the boom), I want to add one. I'm told nobody has the shackle or whatever that fits in the keyhole plate thingy on the underside of the boom (to attach the upper end of the vang). Anyone have advice on attaching a vang? And would a bail-type arrangement attach to the bolts on the tabernacle to secure the lower end? Thanks in advance for your sage advice.

 

[Elliot]

boom vang

Hey Ben,My 20 had a boom vang when I purchased it last year. I don't know all the real names for stuff but let me describe it. On the boom, 2-3 inches above the tabernacle there is a metal horse shoe that attaches on either side. I think simple pins hold this on, although I can't remember that clearly. So, the attachment to the boom is a similar metal horse shoe a few feet back from the mast. Well, if that's not much use I could take a picture of what I have.Have you checked DR Marine? He lists a vang kit on his web site:O'day 20 Boom Vang Kit $75.00Good luck!

 

[Dana Payne]

Boom Vang Reply

I had the same situation. I bought a metal piece with an eye on one end and bold end on the other, and the eye provided a place to attach a vang. The mast end I cut a door hinge and slid the cylindrical end in the mast slot, and the screw holes together hold the vang. I was worried that the mast end would break, either the mast slot or the metal piece, but so far it has been OK. I will probably replace this piece someday. I used a 2 wheel fiddle with a cam cleat on the mast side, and a 2 wheel on the mast side. So far it works OK..

 

[Todd Myers]

Vang problem

Ben, I have an 78 O-day 20 which has the boom vang of which you speak. I was sailing this weekend and I thought about your problem. The keyplate under the boom was factory rivited on. You do need a secure attachment point there and so you will probably have to drill into your boom to afix an anchoring point. The vang, however, is a lightweight and insubstantial thing so do not feel deprived not to have the factory-issued standard vang. Before doing anything you need to buy a light vang and then consider your anchoring options. My vang is shackled to the mast at the tabernacle with a strap. I assume you also have this strap; but if not then you need to consider more drilling on the mast to anchor it with such a strap. I'm sure that West Marine has the vang and fasteners that you need to do the job in a very ship shape fashion.Best regards,Todd Myers