Boom Vang

[jetboatn]

Hello, I am new to this site and sailing also. I purchased a Hunter 23.5 as a first boat to learn sailing! Thought I checked it out well but soon realized I was shorted a few items. Do I absolutely need a boom vang to sail this boat? Any help would be great! Thank You all!

 

[Charisma]

We had a 23.5 and for a while and liked it. I think of a boom vang as being another tool that enables me to shape the sail. That is why hunter included one when they designed the boat. That being said, you can definatly sail without one. Enjoy the boat. Chris

 

[esterhazyinoz]

I expect that you don't absolutely need a lot of the devices that shape a sail on a boat. They just allow you to control how well the boat sails.

 

[C Jones]

Jetboatn, Welcome to the site and sailing. You can sail without it just fine starting out. As your sailing skills progress you will see the need for a boom vang and add it when you are ready. Just have fun, enjoy and be safe now. Charles

 

[BrianW]

On my H26, the "big sister" to the H23.5, I did not have a boom vang when I purchased the boat. I am not the "finesse" sail shaper like some, but I was able to sail very well without it. I added a vang to my "wish list" and got it my second year. For me, the main benefit was to hold the boom down while sailing downwind with a strong wind. When faced with this, you may need to make a make-shift method to hold the boom down when sailing downwind in a strong breeze. BrianW

 

[Alan]

What you do need is to learn how to sail properly. A boom vang is just one of several sail controls needed to sail well. I would advise you pick up Don Guillette's book "Sail Trim" from the ( http://shop.sailboatowners.com/books/detail-books.htm?sku=56&cat=1321) on this site. It will be the best $20 you'll ever spend on sailing. After reading it you'll learn about the four parts of sail control and how and why to affect each. Skipping any one control is like riding a bike with one leg, sure you can, but why?

 

[peptobysmol]

If you are wanting to be a great, competent sailor, sure get the boom vang. Race? get the boom vang. If you are wanting to cruise around the lake and not take sailing too seriously? you don't need it.

 

[BrianW]

Jetboatn, you've heard 2 trains of thought so far. (1) Stay at home until you can afford a boom vang and learn how to squeeze the last 1/10 of a knot out of your sails........... or (2) Go and have some fun on your new boat! You have a tough choice to make! (grin).

 

[jetboatn]

Wow! What a great site! Thank you all for your time and help. Maybe after a lot more reading I can switch off the noisy jetboat and sail away. Thanks

 

[Alan]

....not exactly, Brian. No one said anything about staying home. It's a shame that you visualize it that way. jetboatn has gotten his first intro to 'set it and forget it' vs learning the how and why of sail trim, the choice is yours.

 

[BrianW]

Sorry Alan. I over-reacted and over-reached your intent. I saw a thrown bucket of cold water instead of the sage sailing advice you actually intended. You contribute very much to this forum. BrianW

 

[esterhazyinoz]

How does one afford a H23.5 and can't afford a couple of blocks and some line to set up a vang? Jetboatn, if you sail in fresh breezes, you will want a vang.
Also is there a conflict between sailing well and having fun? I haven't found that's the case.

 

[seadaddler]

Have Fun

Just have fun for now and learn more.
Nick

 

[jetboatn]

I could afford the boat because the price was low! I have never owned a sailboat before and I now understand why she was so cheap! She is missing parts and has a few other problems I didnt know about. Live and learn. I didnt know what a vang was when I purchased her. On the positive side...I have had to slow down and read up on sailing which is a good thing. The fun is yet to come!

 

[Bill Jones]

I've had a 23.5 for 15 years and I use the boomvang once in awhile. The boat doesn't have other tools that most boats have (traveller being the most obvious).

The boat doesn't do well in heavy weather and it isn't designed to. The vang is used when sailing downwind, but the gains are minimal.

Enjoy the boat, and don't worry about the boomvang.

Bill Jones

 

[Rick Webb]

Kind of a Pain the Way it Comes Set Up.

I added an additional tang about a foot back from the original and a block at the base of the mast where it was intended to be attached. Then a piece of line from the original tang through the new block. Attached the block to the line and the new tang. Now the vang can be controled a foot closer to the tiller and I have additional purchase to do it with. I'll try to remember to take a picture when I am out there tomorrow.

You likely still have a lot to figure out with the new boat don't worry about the vang for now but it should be somthing on your list of things to do. As you learn more you may move it up or down that list. It is your boat and this is a free country don't let anyone else tell you what to do.

 

[esterhazyinoz]

Jetboatn,
What a bonus to get such a nice boat at a low price. Even if a few things went missing in the transfer. I'm sure you'll have a great time sailing her.
Learn well but have fun doing it. I still remember the stupid mistakes that I made when first starting out. All down to a lack of knowledge. Now a days it's always safety first for me. A good way to learn is to crew for someone else. Everyone I have ever sailed with has always been generous with their knowledge as are the people on this forum.
Good luck and fair winds!