*! -I am trying to buy this 25.5 hunter 1984. I noticed there is not Boomvang. Is there supposed to be one? and can it be added? Thanks sailors?
Boomvang or no Boomvang
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Depends
Quite likely it did not come with one.They can be easily added in about an hour for about 150$
Quite likely it did not come with one.They can be easily added in about an hour for about 150$
My H31 doesn't have one.
Can I get some expert opinions on whether/why I need a boom vang? We cruise exclusively - no racing, if that matters. Thanks, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
Can I get some expert opinions on whether/why I need a boom vang? We cruise exclusively - no racing, if that matters. Thanks, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
Use it to flatten the main
I'm no expert, however the boom vang can be used to flatten the main, when the wind pipes up. Without the boom vang, the boom can lift, and bag the sail, especially when running downwind. Definately a worthwhile piece of rigging to have. Eric
I'm no expert, however the boom vang can be used to flatten the main, when the wind pipes up. Without the boom vang, the boom can lift, and bag the sail, especially when running downwind. Definately a worthwhile piece of rigging to have. Eric
Advantages
Without a vang you are using one control (mainsheet) to determine two aspects of the sail's trim (angle of attack and twist/leech tension). This is much less precise than having a single control for each, and makes it more difficult or impossible to get 'perfect' trim. If all you want to do is make the boat go from A to B, then you don't need a vang, but if you are interested in having her perform to her potential and in learning how to trim the mainsail efficiently, a vang soon becomes a desirable piece of equipment. There is no difference between good cruising trim and good racing trim - they both indicate that the skipper knows how to shape the sails (and a vang has much to do with that.) A rigid vang is especially nice, because it takes over some of the duties of a topping lift and will support the boom when the mainsail is dropped. Once you have sailed for a while with a vang-equipped boat and know how to use it, you will feel the limitations of going back to a mainsheet-only setup.
Without a vang you are using one control (mainsheet) to determine two aspects of the sail's trim (angle of attack and twist/leech tension). This is much less precise than having a single control for each, and makes it more difficult or impossible to get 'perfect' trim. If all you want to do is make the boat go from A to B, then you don't need a vang, but if you are interested in having her perform to her potential and in learning how to trim the mainsail efficiently, a vang soon becomes a desirable piece of equipment. There is no difference between good cruising trim and good racing trim - they both indicate that the skipper knows how to shape the sails (and a vang has much to do with that.) A rigid vang is especially nice, because it takes over some of the duties of a topping lift and will support the boom when the mainsail is dropped. Once you have sailed for a while with a vang-equipped boat and know how to use it, you will feel the limitations of going back to a mainsheet-only setup.
Twist
The boom vang, along with the mainsheet, is used to control the twist of the mainsail. When the wind is more zesty, you pull the vang to open the top batten and dump air from the top of the mainsail. I would not sail without a vang. And yes, it can be easily added.
The boom vang, along with the mainsheet, is used to control the twist of the mainsail. When the wind is more zesty, you pull the vang to open the top batten and dump air from the top of the mainsail. I would not sail without a vang. And yes, it can be easily added.
Thanks for the advice.
It matches with and expands on my limited knowledge. Now that I can handle the basics and get to Santa Cruz Island and back for a weekend of diving, it's time to advance my knowledge. I guess Hunter thought that having multiple attachment points on the boom for the main sheet was adequate.... 'nuf said! Virginia Bob, I especially appreciate your comments, particularly about there being no difference between cruising and racing trim. Don's book is on my list, right below (above?) Peggy's! Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
It matches with and expands on my limited knowledge. Now that I can handle the basics and get to Santa Cruz Island and back for a weekend of diving, it's time to advance my knowledge. I guess Hunter thought that having multiple attachment points on the boom for the main sheet was adequate.... 'nuf said! Virginia Bob, I especially appreciate your comments, particularly about there being no difference between cruising and racing trim. Don's book is on my list, right below (above?) Peggy's! Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
Here are some examples...
You need the boom vang to hold the boom down and remove twist from the sail when the mainsheet attachment point on the boom is outboard of the mainsheet attachment point at the traveler track and the mainsheet moves from more vertical toward more horizontal, increasingly trading off its downward pull on the boom for more lateral pull. As pointed out, that's when sailing more off the wind. For those of us without a traveler, that "laying down" of the mainsheet begins with the boom much further inboard and we can use a vang on all points of sail. Easy to add. http://www.harken.com/rigtips/vang.php
You need the boom vang to hold the boom down and remove twist from the sail when the mainsheet attachment point on the boom is outboard of the mainsheet attachment point at the traveler track and the mainsheet moves from more vertical toward more horizontal, increasingly trading off its downward pull on the boom for more lateral pull. As pointed out, that's when sailing more off the wind. For those of us without a traveler, that "laying down" of the mainsheet begins with the boom much further inboard and we can use a vang on all points of sail. Easy to add. http://www.harken.com/rigtips/vang.php
Vang
If you get one, get a rigid vang. The rigid vang eliminates the need for a topping lift, because it performs that function, too.
If you get one, get a rigid vang. The rigid vang eliminates the need for a topping lift, because it performs that function, too.
Thanks Timm R.
Thanks Timm R , that is what I wanted to know. I am not sure why Hunter did not sell the boat with a vang. All the boats that I have chartered had vangs. This is why I was not sure if I need it or not on this boat. I have seen boats with no vang and it sails very clumsy with the boom jumping up and down.
Thanks Timm R , that is what I wanted to know. I am not sure why Hunter did not sell the boat with a vang. All the boats that I have chartered had vangs. This is why I was not sure if I need it or not on this boat. I have seen boats with no vang and it sails very clumsy with the boom jumping up and down.
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