Rigid Boom Vang for an H26

[Paul H]

Has anybody put a rigid boom vang on their Hunter26 or 260? How was it to take the mast down with it installed? Did you have to make any allowances other than what was supplied with the kit? Been toying with the idea of putting one on to get rid of the topping lift. Would allow me to put a larger tarp over the cockpit and less clean up from our feathered friends.Paul H95 H26S/V Linda Belle

 

[Tom]

Get a Garhauer

I installed a Garhauer on my 97 H26 in about a half hour. It works great and easy to remove when you drop your mast. Really nice not to mess with a topping lift! Garhauer wil cost you about $275. Very well made and the don't screw up. This is the second one I have bought for boats I've owned. Get one.

 

[Tom Wootton]

Second that...

...but the vang Garhauer recommended to me for the H26 (RV16-1; see link) was only $215. You have to specify whether you want a cam cleat for the control line; that adds about $25. The vang pivots on a 6" long 3/8" diameter vertical bolt at the mast bracket. Removing this bolt frees the boom for removal (the boom is a little more awkward to handle with the vang attached, but I can manage it solo in a pinch.) When you install it, you have to carefully determine the position of the mast bracket to make sure it doesn't encounter the cabin top when lowering the mast. I used a piece of string stretched from the mast crutch to the base of the mast to approximate the position of the lowered mast, but it might be better to just lower the mast to the crutch, then determine the location of the bracket in that position. The vang is a terrific addition, for all the reasons mentioned.

 

[John Pollitt]

Dimensions for Rigid Boom Vang for H26

As I am awaiting delivery of a '95 H26, I contacted Garhauer about a rigid vang and they needed the dimensions of the boom to mast bracket and mast to boom bracket. Since I don't have the boat yet, would anyone who has bought one have the measurements, or anything from Garhauer that I can use to get mine ordered?

 

[Steve Dion]

You need to make a drawing.

John:You need to make a pattern of the mast & boom and send them to Garhauer.The best way to do this is to get a piece of heavy solder. Mold it around the piece that you are making the pattern for. Then trace this shape onto a piece of paper. Send it off to them and in a few weeks they will deliver the unit.

 

[Tom Wootton]

Also, John...

...not all Hunter 26's have the same spars. Mine were made by Z-Spar (now US Spar) but yours may not be. It's probably best to wait til you have the boat, and use Steve's solder trick. Garhauer responds quickly, in my experience.