Should my 18.5 have a boom vang
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It could hurt if you have to duck under it to cross the cockpit for a tack. Take a look at the space in the cockpit between the tiller end and where the boom vang attaches to the boom. You need for at least two people to be able to cross there for good tacks. Maybe a detachable vang which could serve when you want performance but could be stowed when you have guests who want a leisurely sail.
A couple of references that might help
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/hunter-18-5-heeling.141962/
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/hunter-18-5-heeling.141962/
I had the same thoughts when I read it was an 18.5 as I had never seen one before and assumed it was a daysailer! A little Googling yielded those two links.
I guess Great Minds Think Alike!
I'm again reminded to check saildata.com for any boat I want to comment on that I haven't sailed on. Last summer I was sailing on an E-33, a kind of modernized Etchells, with a huge main and hence a big vang that would take the skin off your back during a tack unless you could do reverse limbo. The cockpit was probably 15' of the 33' length and there still wasn't room for three people to cross over.
I just watched the video I posted again and noticed two things at about 1:30. Topping lift really tight and helm and crew NOT looking where there going! Maybe the camera crew was on watch
Yes lots of things to get tangled up in while sailing, especially on boats one is not familiar with.
Yes lots of things to get tangled up in while sailing, especially on boats one is not familiar with.
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Thanks, excellent links.... being as the boat in the video is running a boom vang it make me wonder why the previous owner would get rid of it. Now to find a decent priced replacement.
If you build your own , using 1/4" line will save you a lot of money since the required fittings can be smaller. However, you might want to check out the prebuilt vangs from Garhauer Marine which were common on many Catalinas. Check their website … prices are pretty good.
Here's a 4:1 unit that uses 5/16" line. More than adequate for your boat. A good price at $125.
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