Hello, I have just bought a 1976 O'Day 22 and want to put a boom vang on it. I have ordered new sails from this site and will wait until I get the new sails on before installing the new vang. I was wondering if there is some good reason why O'day did not install one and/or if there is any good reason not to install one.
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need the vang
On the old O'days, you really need the vang since there is no mainsheet traveler. 4:1 tackle gets the job done.
On the old O'days, you really need the vang since there is no mainsheet traveler. 4:1 tackle gets the job done.
The best reason
Oday didn't put vangs on their trailer sailers so they could save money. I think vangs are especially important on the 22 (and 23 and 25); they are not only good sail-shaping tools, they are important for comfort and safety. Because the mainsheet on all three models attaches to the backstay, Oday did not provide a traveler, nor is there an easy way to retrofit one. A boom vang is really the only way to adjust mainsail twist on these boats without making the semi-serious modifications necessary to fit a traveler. I also think a vang is good for safety reasons. These boats are tender, and in a blow a vang will keep the boom from raising up and increasing sailpower and angle of heel. You can buy a decent soft vang and all attachment hardware for about $100. Install it so that the vang is at a forty-five degree angle to the boom and mast.
Oday didn't put vangs on their trailer sailers so they could save money. I think vangs are especially important on the 22 (and 23 and 25); they are not only good sail-shaping tools, they are important for comfort and safety. Because the mainsheet on all three models attaches to the backstay, Oday did not provide a traveler, nor is there an easy way to retrofit one. A boom vang is really the only way to adjust mainsail twist on these boats without making the semi-serious modifications necessary to fit a traveler. I also think a vang is good for safety reasons. These boats are tender, and in a blow a vang will keep the boom from raising up and increasing sailpower and angle of heel. You can buy a decent soft vang and all attachment hardware for about $100. Install it so that the vang is at a forty-five degree angle to the boom and mast.
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