Boom Vang Revisited

[Josh]

I just went sailing on my brand new (to me) Oday 22 with the previous owner. There was a connector plate at the bottom of the boom that I questioned him about. He stated it was for the boom vang. There was what appeared to a short rod inside the boat, almost looked like a smaller boom. I asked him what that was for. He stated it was the boom vang, but he never used it.I'm looking through the books I have on sailing, and this doesn't seem right. Shouldn't the boom vang be a block and tackle setup not a six foot rod? And if so, what the heck is this rod for? From what I have in front of me I'd think it was a traveller...any suggestions? Anyone have any pictures of a boom vang on the Oday's so I can get an idea of what I'm supposed to have?Thanks!Josh

 

[Bob]

Could be a rigid vang...

Go to www.garhauermarine.com to see if it resembles one. I bought one for my 272LE.Cheers,Bob

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Vang

Josh -Could be rigid vang but six feet is a lot! Sounds more likely to be a whisker pole.Hit the Garhauer link and see if it makes sense.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Josh]

Nope..not a Rigid...

I looked at the ones on that site, but that has blocks on each end, and expands like a gas piston or shock absorber by the looks of it. This was just a solid (well hollow) peice of aluminum with a mounting point on each end that looked like a hook with a cotter key or something to secure them.I didnt find anything for a whisker pole on that site..but Ill search. I'm going to get the boat Saturday and ask the owner exactly what it is and how it's used. Like I said though, he said it was a boom vang and that he never used it. By the looks of it, I can see why!Josh

 

[Josh]

Hmm..maybe...

I found a site that has a pole that looks something like it. Listed as the related URL. The picture is what it looks like, although I dont recall it being two section or having any control lines on it of any sort. But the ends are almost exactly what it had.Next question, if it's a whisker pole, what the heck does it do and how do I use it?Thanks again!Josh

 

[Vic]

99% sure wisker pole ...

is used to keep the gib flying effectively down wind winged out.On a 27 ft. boat it would be around 9-12 feet long.

 

[Josh]

I'll know more tomorrow...

I pick it up and take it sailing tomorrow...so I'll know more then. Thanks for all the help! I'm thinking its a whisker pole as well, just from the pics I've found on line...Next question will be how do I use it!Josh

 

[Josh]

Whisker pole...

Okay, its a whisker pole, determined that from comparing it to the items offered in the westmarine catalog.Time for a new thread!Thanks for all the help!Josh