Vang, Rod Kicker, Rigid vang which one?

[Jim Cheek]

I just bought a Catalina 28, 1992, in shipping we lost the vang, Which should I buy? Solid , rod kicker, regular, rigid ? Any and all advice is appreciated, we are recreational sailors on the Great Lakes, coastal cruising, mostly fair weather, no racing. We want ease of operation with good performance, simple and comfortable is our goal. Brand names and explanation of operation would be very much appreciated. We also have a dodger and bimini. Other than that the rig is standard.Thanks

 

[Bob James]

Vangs

Jim: I've sailed a Catalina 22 for 13 years with a standard vang. This worked quite well in all types of cruising conditions. It also doubled as a preventer when fastened to a stantion. This configuration required a topping lift to hold the boom. The 22 had no dodger or other stuff on the cabin top, so, the vang was easy to get at and adjust.I now have a Catalina 310 with a Garhauer rigid vang. The rigid vang works fine and doubles as the topping lift. I also have a dodger and a Dutchman flaking system which uses the topping lift as its mounting line. The rigid vang works well with this combination. The rigid vang does not double as a preventer and, I have not added that function for down wind sailing, as yet .I think you will find the rigid vang to be a little more expensive than the standard vang and the installation is likely to be more difficult. Bottom line in my mind, on the smaller boat the standard vang would be my choice and for the 31, I would opt for the rigid vang. You are in the middle but, I think I would go rigid. Good luck and great sailing!

 

[Bob Camarena]

Rigid Garhauer

Go with the rigid. I think you'll find that Garhauer is your best bet. I have one on my C-30 and it's very well made at a very reasonable price.

 

[Mark Taylor]

GO WITH THE RIGID

I fitted my C28 with a Selden rodkicker. The boom end is attached to a pin-stop slide, so it can be used as a topping lift, and just plain keep the boom a bit higher when the main is furled. I led the control line aft to the cockpit (near the cabin-top winch), where it is secured with a spinlock PX cleat. It makes reefing a breeze. I recommend it, if it stacks up on price for you. (Garhauer gear is good but a bit 'clunky' for my taste). Have fun!

 

[Irwin]

boomkicker

I use a boomkicker on my catalina 30. It uses two fiberglass rods to spring the boom up and you use the rope vang in it usual place to tension the boom down. together they hold the boom in place without a topping lift. I think I have seen them in West Marines catalogue and on a web site search under "boomkicker"