Improved Performance with Solid Vang

[Calvin]

I had a Gerhaeur (sp?) vang installed on my 260 just prior to Christmas. Yesterday was the first chance I had to sail with it. The wind was a steady 15 with gusts between 25 and 30. The vang gives the ability to flatten the sail for good upwind performance. I would suspect it gives us an additional .1 to .2 knots. In addition, loosening it opens the top of the sail to keep the boat from excessive heeling. I think it acts in a way very similiar to a traveler. This is about the best $215.00 I have spent on the boat.

 

[Michael Bell]

OK, but…

Is the sailing qualities that different than a traditional vang?The enhancement I liked most about installing a solid vang on my H26 was, that without a topping lift, I could drop the mainsail whenever I wanted and, it allowed me to canvas from the mast to the aft of the boat without obstruction – when needed.

 

[Calvin]

The original vang was...

The vang that came with my 260 was, in my opinion, worthless. It was difficult to get to and did not have enought mechanical advantage to do much to shape the sail. With this new vang and its 16 to 1 advantage it is easy to move the boom enought to shape the sail. I ran the line back to the cockpit and use one of the jam cleats for the jib lines to secure it.

 

[Red Beard]

AHOY! I'd like to know more?

I have just bought a H260 and will deffintely put a solid boom vang on! Calvin, I'd like to know more. Oh mate, you were close...Garhauer. You can e-mail me @ redbeard58@sbcglobal.net if you'd be so kind as to share info. THANX....BLUESKIES & HIGHTIDES...RB

 

[Michael Bell]

Got Ya Calvin

I kept the original (4 to 1 - I thing) vang on when I installed my “Boom-Kicker”. But your right – not much mechanical advantage. I’ve run the line back, but I need to get my hand on the end of the boom and pull it down to tighten. In any case, solid vang’s rule.