boom vang

[Thomas Wanderer]

I am going to get a boom vang for my hunter 25. I like the non rigid because:it is cheaperI can use it as a preventer whilst on a downwind course.But the rigid type must have some real advantages which I don't know about. Can someone please enlighten me. Also if I get the regular vang is 1000 lbs sufficient strength?Thanks

 

[Doug T.]

Rigid vang

The primary advantage of a rigid vang is that is supports the boom as well as allowing you to pull it downward. You can dispense with the topping lift. Other than that, I don't see much advantage on a smaller boat.Regarding strength, there are a couple of considerations:For use as a vang, it's breaking strength should be at least twice as high as the load you're going to put on it. If you don't use a winch, you're not going to be able to put more than maybe 100 lbs of force on the vang. If you have a 4:1 purchase, that's 400 lbs of force. 1000 LB BS should be OK. If you use a cascading purchase (8:1 or other setup) or if you winch it, you need stronger components.For use as a preventer, it's a lot different. Calculate the forces of a 20kt breeze on the sail area of your mainsail. Figure out the vectors against your preventer. Add in shock loads. I'll bet you the numbers add up to a lot more than 1000lbs.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Keep it simple

Thomas, you're absolutely right that a regular set of blocks will do the job. The application as a preventer is an added (free!) bonus. Just check a few comparable boats in your marina to check out the best size of the block and tackle, probably 3/8-inch line, and order them from West or Boat US. One thing to beware is over-tightening. Only in the heavy winds do you want to pull down real tight to let the wind spill.

 

[Pops Landing]

What I'm doing

Tom, I'm using the original (probabaly not the original as I bought this boat last year and this was one of the things that was not rusty) main sheet system for my boom vang. I up-graded my main sheet system to the one that I really wanted (good blocks, racheting final block, adjustable tensioner etc.) and realized that the system that was not good enough for the main sheet system was more than good enough for a boom vang, Bim batta bim, couple of fittins, a real nice boom vang. I traded a down on his luck Hobe sailor for the one I wanted. You don't want to know how cheap I got it.