Boomvang

[sailnoproblem]

Open for suggestions. I am a very and repeat very novice sailor. I am learning as I go. Have been using just my mainsail to control my boom. Going to set up a boomvang, but was thinking of the boomkicker. Any suggestions or opinions?
Also not sure of the correct setup dimension wise of the boomvang. My boom is 14'.

 

[Gunni]

Just get a boomvang. A boomkicker would still require tackle to sheet down your boom. A Tartan deserves a boomvang system.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Look into a rigid vang system. That makes the kicker unnecessary and you'll have a better vang than a "soft" vang.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

I agree with Gunni & Scott on this.

I was never a lover of a boom kicker (yea, maybe on smaller boats) wow, it holds the boom up, with a topping lift, adding a vang is the way to go. A vang will also hold your boom up.

A mechanical boom vang will give you more options in sailsets. You don't have to go top shelf but, I always use mine to control shape & tame the boom/main.

CR

 

[Steve Dion]

Check out Garhauer Marine

 

[Jeff]

My boom-vang also serves as a main sail prevent-er when running downwind. Our boat (H33.5) has a slotted toe rail to clip on to. Works great and easy to switch back and forth.
Just my $.02.

 

[Brian S]

Boomkickers are useful when there is light wind. It will overcome the weight of the boom, holding it up, allowing the main to twist off properly and trim better. They can also hold the boom up when dousing the main.

A rigid vang should be spring loaded and sized for your boat. The spring will hold the boom up as a Boomkicker or topping lift. The rigid vang would need extra purchase to overcome the spring, and hold the boom down as needed in higher wind.

All this can be accomplished using an easily adjustable topping lift. I lead my topping lift forward on the boom, so I can adjust it even if the boom is out over the water. Some people lead the topping lift back down from the top of the mast, but this incurs more weight aloft due to a block at masthead, and double the length of line to come back down the mast. One of the drawbacks to a topping lift is when it gets caught on the leech of the main.

I dunno, I guess a Boomkicker might be a more cost effective addition for someone who already has a good 4:1 "soft" vang, than replacing the soft vang with a rigid vang.

But, yeah, you need a vang to control boom height when off the wind. Close hauled, a proper and easily adjustable mainsheet traveller does more to control sail shape and angle of attack.

I couldn't sail my traveller-less boat without vang-sheeting using the adjustable topping lift in combo with the soft vang.

 

[sailnoproblem]

Boomkickers are useful when there is light wind. It will overcome the weight of the boom, holding it up, allowing the main to twist off properly and trim better. They can also hold the boom up when dousing the main.

A rigid vang should be spring loaded and sized for your boat. The spring will hold the boom up as a Boomkicker or topping lift. The rigid vang would need extra purchase to overcome the spring, and hold the boom down as needed in higher wind.

All this can be accomplished using an easily adjustable topping lift. I lead my topping lift forward on the boom, so I can adjust it even if the boom is out over the water. Some people lead the topping lift back down from the top of the mast, but this incurs more weight aloft due to a block at masthead, and double the length of line to come back down the mast. One of the drawbacks to a topping lift is when it gets caught on the leech of the main.

I dunno, I guess a Boomkicker might be a more cost effective addition for someone who already has a good 4:1 "soft" vang, than replacing the soft vang with a rigid vang.

But, yeah, you need a vang to control boom height when off the wind. Close hauled, a proper and easily adjustable mainsheet traveller does more to control sail shape and angle of attack.

I couldn't sail my traveller-less boat without vang-sheeting using the adjustable topping lift in combo with the soft vang.

I checked out the cost of a ridged (hard) vang. For now I'll go with a soft and see how it goes. I want to thank everyone for there input.
Happy New Year to all.

 

[Parsons]

Brian is absolutely correct that a vang of some sort (rigid or tension only) is necessary for sail angle and boom lift adjustment. For our smaller boats (up to 25 foot) I think that the boomkicker with a traditional vang is a great compromise to eliminate that pesky topping list, especially for the price. I second the comment of Gunni, however: You've got a Tartan 34 - get her a nice setup!

 

[sailnoproblem]

Check out Garhauer Marine

Thank you Steve for the link to Garhauer Marine. My brain must be getting fuzy as I have purchased my Bow Roller from them, and never thought to go back and check out the on line store.
Regards

 

[CloudDiver]

I'm thinking I'd be better off with Garhauer series 15 rigid boom vang for my C-22. According to the website it is $275. My soft vang isn't shot but the line needs replacing. So I think the $275 is a better deal rather than rig a topping lift or add a boom kicker. I might recoup a few bucks on ebay for my soft vang. Does that sound about right? To the OP, you have a much larger boat than I do so I'm thinking your rigid vang will be in the $800 range, so the need to compare your options is critical, good on you for posting the question here.

 

[Doug4bass]

Cant go wrong with Garhauer!