Boom Vang Placement

[John Giaccio]

I have just purchased a '79 Hunter 27, the previous owner left the boom vang stored in the starboard compartment and told me he never used it. On a recent cruise while sailing on a reach, I saw the need for it and decided to install it. Unfortunately; like John Smolinski, my rig does not have a place to attach the boom vang any place near the mast. I read the responses to Mr. Smolinski's request for help, and I would like to know what is a "bale", and how would I attach one?Thank you for any and all help with this.John Giaccio

 

[Bob Camarena]

Bail?

I've always thought it was spelled bail, but in any case it is simply a U shaped stainless steel fitting made out of rod stock designed to slip on and bolt to the sides of your boom or mast (one leg on each side). Some through bolt with a single bolt from one side to the other while others bolt to either side. Some are designed to pivot while others are fixed.You'll get mixed opinions on the proper angle for the vang as it runs from the mast to the boom. The most common opinion is 45 degrees but there was an article in Latitude 38 (a popular San Francisco sailing publication) that argued (with supporting engineering analysis) for something closer to a 30/60 triangle with the boom as the long leg.

 

[John Giaccio]

Thanks Bob

Thanks Bob for the explanation of what a bale is. It was crystal clear!Thanks again for the response.John Giaccio

 

[Joe Ford]

Use Luff Track.....

Hi John, this is an alternative suggestion to the bale solution for mast attachment. On my Catalina 27 the luff track runs completely to the base of the mast. The vang is attached to the mast via a stainless padeye/slug that fits in the groove. A large screw is set above the slug, directly into the groove to prevent its sliding. The boom attachment uses a bale. I see no advantage to this over using a bale or hound type fitting other than having one less hole in the mast.  An additional comment, I actually have three (3) of these slugs set in the track, the lower one is for the vang, the middle one is open, the upper one attaches the cunningham. Good Luck.