One mans thoughts
I have a "Z-diffusion" solid vang (standing rigging is Isomat) on my 29.5 and have mixed emotions. Cannot say it pulls the boom down one bit better or worse. It does make dropping sails faster, especially if you are sailing in the dark or have some sort of emerengcy. You never have to worry about dropping the boom ontop of anyone in the cockpit. BUT, on the 29.5 with the very short traveler moving the boom off to one side when in port or at anchor is not as effective as it is on boats with the traveler mounted on the deck and a longer traveler at that. (The main sheet is also more out of the way when left centered) When we climb up and out of the "companion way" the boom is kind of low and in the way. I have never removed my topping lift as when in port it allows me to pick the boom up another few inches and we enjoy the headroom. This brings us to another point, the solid vang does not allow you to raise the boom nearly as far as you may be used to, as well as keeping it from falling it keeps it from raising much above horizontal. Don't write and tell me to release the line, I have tried everything and the boom is still in the way when not sailing I like mine, when sailing short handed it makes the deck hands (that be me) job easier. I will buy another when I get my next boat just like I will likely buy a "stack pack" style of main sail storage system. But it does have its draw backs.
