C22 Vang Upgrade

[Bill Wyatt]

I am interested in replacing the standard supplied vang with a rigid mechanical vang more to support the boom for ease of sail handling. I wish to eliminate the need to go aft to hook the boom to the aft stay before lowering the main. Can this cause the boom to fail Thankyou in advance for your advice.

 

[Rick Klein]

Topping lift

Do you have a topping lift? My Catalina 22 has a topping lift line attached to the top of the mast permanently and the end of the boom with a clasp. It makes it easy to remove when stepping the mast. There is never a problem with the boom falling when the main sail is lowered. The line has enough slack in it to allow for easy sail handling through all points of sail. Even without the main sail hanked on it supports the boom. I have seen a topping lift line attached to the backstay but this too involves releasing the line before hoisting the mainsail.How effective is a rigid boom vang? Could it support the force of someone pulling on the boom when tacking? How expensive is a rigid vang?Good luck in your quest. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Garhauer

Don't look any further than Garhauer Marine for a rigid vang. They're reasonably priced and high quality. They're the OEM for new Catalinas. I'd order directly from Garhauer (check out their website).