H260 Vang bracket

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Aug 10, 2010
178
Catalina 25 The mountains
In case I'm calling it by the wrong name, it's that bracket you always forget to slide onto the pin when pinning the mast.
Where would I get a replacement?
 
Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
That thing is a problem and yes I know your pain. I really squashed mine last season but amazingly was able to salvage it. I'd try the rigging guys at Hunter and CS Johnson too. Here's a pg from the manual showing the fitting but it's basically unnamed(vang toggle bracket, really?). My guess would be for it to fit a 3/8" pin.

You might fabricate one from a piece of 5/32 adjuster chain plate. Think rather thin with a lotta holes.

I like your location on your avatar, it fits your name.... sublime;) Good luck. Mike
 

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May 25, 2004
958
Hunter 260 Pepin, WI
I kept forgetting to put it in too, so I've been shackling the boom vang directly to the mast pin for the last 4 years. There is little difference from when it was shackled to the bracket.
 
Oct 19, 2006
337
Hunter 27-3 Brownsville, VT/Mystic, CT
Vang converted to preventer?

Does anyone else ever covert their vang into a preventer? I attach it to the stanchion where you clip on the babystays when raising the mast.

In light wind on a reach, my mainsheet lower block scrapes against the cockpit if the sail loses pressure. If I attach a preventer, it keeps slack from the sheet, and the block doesn't work on the gelcoat.

On a run -- which I hate doing on our rig, but for us it's just easier to steer a direct course rather than steering off the run, then jibing & making the crew switch the whisker pole -- I use it as a straight preventer.

The first time I did it, as the old saw goes, "it seemed like a good idea at the time." I've used it quite a bit since. Am I doing anything terribly wrong here?
 

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Jan 22, 2008
1,483
Hunter 37 C sloop Punta Gorda FL
If you do this in a heavy wind you risk pulling the stanchion out of the deck. add a pad eye orcleat or something. I have a snap shackle (Big One) on my vang. I take it to the toe rail. Have done this for years. Works great.
 
Oct 19, 2006
337
Hunter 27-3 Brownsville, VT/Mystic, CT
A somewhat beefier stanchion

Thanks for the reply, Bill.

So you too use the vang as preventer, so the issue is the attachment point.

On a reach, I only use it as a preventer in light air because it keeps the main sheet lower block from scratching the gelcoat.

I've been using it in all winds on a run because the B&R rig with raked spreaders keeps the boom from getting out far enough, and I'm looking to prevent an accidental jibe on a wind shift or momentary loss of course.

To be candid, I try my best to avoid heavy winds, which I would define as 15+ knots.

I'm not sure if you are acquainted with the 23.5 lifeline set-up. The forward stanchion is a bit beefier because it it is designed to help keep the mast from swaying when stepping it. You can see in the photo of the starboard setup that it's not just single post but is like a lower case "h," so it has 2 points of attachment with the deck. With the eyes for the babystays on them, they just seemed to cry out for using them as I am.

Has anyone checked out how well the forward stanchion is secured from below on the 23.5? While I agree a well-backed & supported padeye is the best solution, there are other projects that are higher on "the list."
 
May 25, 2004
958
Hunter 260 Pepin, WI
Preventer

VT Fritz,
I was using the vang in the same way. I now have another block and tackle I hook up in the same location, leaving the vang in place.

On my H260 that stanchion has two support legs that further strengthen it. They also allow me to hook up at the base of the stanchion so there is no leverage at work.

I find I only need a preventer when the winds are light. Its harder to see and feel the wind direction on a light wind run, so its easier to have an accidental jibe. When the wind picks up, I have no problem keeping the main full and the boat on course.

For those reasons I don't fear pulling the stanchion out of the deck.
 

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