I might respectfully disagree
I daysail and race a Mariner (19') on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts. I added a vang last year. To answer the original question, I have a 3:1 vang, 45 degree angle, about 8" from the cabin top, with 5/16" sta-set NER line. That is overkill. The line could be reduced quite a bit but I do not like to use thin line. I find 5/16" a good enough diameter to grab without getting that 'dental floss cutting the circulation off on your index finger feeling'. I am happy with the setup. I installed vang fittings in the mast. They got pulled out during a downwind gybe on a race. I will replace them with bails this year. Bails, with screws perpendicular to the vang forces, will withstand much higher forces. WM and other retailers have 'vangs in the bag' kits. It is cheaper to buy the best Harken components and do it yourself. I would disagree with Dave's statement about not needing a vang. I think Ocean City is in NJ and I will assume it is every bit as windy as Buzzards Bay. Yes, you can sail without a vang. We did it for years. The vang allows you to flatten the sail upwind. It is absolutely necessary to racing and why would you not want to optimize your trim sail even when cruising? Downwind, especially on a Mariner with center boom sheeting, the sail fills with air and pulls the boom up high. All the air rolls off the sail leeward. But you really want the barn door effect. Therefore, a vang is absolutely neccessary. Good Luck. Think Spring! Craig Boston
