Boom Vang- yes or no

[Ian McGain]

On my 1979 Hunter 30 there is evidence that a boom vang was once present.I have not had one on the boat for two sailing seasons on the Chesapeake.Question: Do I need to spend two hundred dollars plus to re-install and if I really should have one, would it make more sense or cent$ to buy a boomkicker which will replace the topping lift.ThanksIan

 

[Ron]

Ian

I have a boom-vang for my H37C and never use it. I may be in the minority here, but the most I use it for is a downwind preventer. Personally, I think you'd be wasting your money. Just my opinion... Ron/KA5HZV

 

[Ed Schenck]

Agree. . .almost.

Like Ron I have a rope vang(Related Link) on my H37C. I find it helps with sail shape but only slightly. I also use it for a preventer. But I would recommend a solid vang, I really do not like having to adjust the topping-lift.

 

[David Foster]

Need a vang

for mainsail shape control once the traveler is all the way to one side, and you begin to ease the mainsheet. It really does make a difference when reaching in moderate to heavy weather.We put a rope vang on our '77 h27, but would buy the solid vang, and do away with the topping lift if we were doing it again.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Eric C Lindstrom]

Our vang ...

In fact, ALL our lines and halyards are run to the cockpit on our 1978 Hunter 30.