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Vang master pushes to the top; steer clear of the ocean vang.
]It’s been more than six years since Practical Sailor evaluated rigid boom vangs. Given the rapid evolution of sailing hardware, it’s high time we take another close look.
In that May 15, 1999 report, we wrote that Hall Spars and Rigging’s QuikVang was the best all-around product, if you were game to ignore prices. Garhauer Marine’s vang was our Best Buy due to its rugged construction and economical price, and Spinlock’s then new Powervang was the product of choice for the racing set. If you owned a larger boat and wanted a lightweight vang, your best bet was Selden’s Rodkicker. As that 1999 test indicated, determining the appropriate rigid vang for your boat and your style of sailing is not a one-size-fits all affair. The process is fraught with conditional answers that only you can supply.
First, you have to determine if you want a rigid vang primarily for supporting your boom. If that’s the case, then the performance of the vang may be less important to you than the cost and the product’s purported longevity. If you want a vang that will allow you to make fairly precise refinements to your mainsail trim as well as support your boom, you’ll be looking more closely at how easy it is to adjust and its range of adjustability. Then, you have different types. Do you favor a spring-loaded, gas-cylinder, pneumatic, or rod vang?
Our evaluation included all four types. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t install a rigid vang on a boom that rotates, as this will compromise the gooseneck fittings on the vang or the boom itself. Also, standard, off-the-shelf rigid vangs like the ones PS evaluated here are not suitable for use with in boom furling. For those applications, you’ll want heavier duty equipment.
The Test For this test, PS amassed a group of eight rigid vangs from seven manufacturers. We asked each company to send a vang that would be suitable for a 36-foot sloop with a 13-foot boom. We told them that we were upgrading from a 4:1-purchase soft vang, that our objectives were convenience and safety, and stipulated that there were no suitable fittings on the mast or boom for attaching the new vang. We also mentioned that the mainsail on this boat weighed 50 pounds, and we described the spars as having rectangular grooves for the attachment fittings.
Selden Masts, which manufactures three different sizes of the Rodkicker, loaned us a mast and boom display mounted on a pallet, and we used this as a test platform for each vang. We looked closely at the vangs as well as the mounting fittings, which can vary according to the type of spar you have. We operated each vang multiple times and examined the construction quality, noted the stroke range, maximum return force, as well as the ease of use, and overall weight.
Vang Master Marine Products Engineering is a small manufacturing firm based in San Pedro, California, that also builds pneumatic actuators for doors, lids, and some other applications. Proprietor and designer Doug Grant has been building vangs for 14 years, and he is the supplier for Melges Boatworks and Ultimate Sailboats. His Vang Masters range in size from from 24 inches to 9 feet.
Grant uses 6061 T6 aluminum tubing that is hard-coat anodized and impregnated with Teflon. The end fittings are also machined from aluminum and hard-coat anodized. Except for the sheave and jaw attachment pins, MPE doesn’t use any stainless steel. These vangs operate with an 8:1 cascading purchase system using Harken blocks (including a ratchet block and cam cleat), the last part of which runs through a sheave in the upper end of the vang.
Grant says he presets the cylinder pressure on each vang, but he also includes a bicycle pump so that an owner can make his own adjustments. To change the pressure, you simply pump the vang up to whatever pressure you need to keep the boom level.
The lightest vang, the Vang Master also provided the smoothest action. This was surprising, because others like the Hall QuikVang or those from Garhauer come with greater mechanical advantage. The Vang Master VM-4 offers 16 to 18 inches of stroke range with up to 500 pounds of return force, and comes with a four-year warranty that covers any breakage under normal use. It sells for $845, including the pump, but not the end fittings ($110 for the boom, $145 for the mast).
Garhauer Marine Known for its rugged, if heavy, products, Garhauer Marine provides deck hardware for Catalina Yachts. The company supplied two vangs for our test: the RV20-1SL with a stainless outer tube, and the deluxe RV20-1AL, with a 6061 T aluminum outer tube, integrated purchase fittings, and a larger aluminum sheave in the head. Both vangs are intended principally to support the boom and both rely on 1½-inch diameter stainless steel springs — four in each case — to offer the resistance.
Garhauer includes in its price custom mast and boom fittings that are polished, beefy 316 stainless pieces with finely welded or machined components. The vangs featured similarly rugged construction. Except for the composite sheaves built into the vangs’ forked ends, all the sheaves in the 20:1 purchase are anodized aluminum, which spin on Torlon ball bearings.
These vangs have a wide stroke range — 8 to 12 inches — and they reliably returned our boom to the same position. Their construction appears to be bullet-proof (they carry a 10-year warranty) and they have the lowest prices of any vangs that passed our test ($374 for the RV20-1SL, and $429 for the duluxe RV20-1AL, including end fittings). Yes, they’re also the heaviest products, but not by much. Their main disadvantage is that, once they are installed, the resting height is not as adjustable as it is in other vangs.
Forespar Forespar’s Yacht Rod is made of a polished stainless steel inner tube and an Awl-Grip coated aluminum outer tube, and anodized aluminum forked ends. The Yacht Rod uses a single stainless steel spring for resistance. It’s marketed as both a device for supporting the boom and for trimming the sail in cruising or racing applications.
The Yacht Rod, which is built in three sizes, has a 4:1 tackle using Harken fiddle blocks and 7/16” line. A section of Spectra line attaches to that and runs through an aluminum sheave in the upper end’s fork to create an 8:1 purchase.
Forespar offers several sizes of mast and boom end fittings for its Yacht Rods (sold as part of the package or separately). The majority of these are fashioned from polished stainless steel. The welds on the fittings that were sent to PS were solid and well executed.
The outer tube has four holes at four-inch increments that accept a fast pin to adjust the boom’s height and allow a wide range of resting positions. This would be a handy feature to temporarily lift the boom in order to raise or lower a dodger or bimini. Forespar’s otherwise excellent installation instructions lacked a detailed drawing of the mast end, which would be a big help.
This vang was simple to install and operated fairly smoothly, but the spring did squeak slightly when compressed. The medium-size Yacht Rod has a stroke range of 7 inches, and provides 600 pounds of return force. It comes with a warranty of three years and sells for $873, including the tackle and end fittings.
Hall QuikVang Roughly five years ago, Hall Spars introduced the pneumatic QuikVang 2000, but, citing “complexities with its use,” has stopped production. Hall plans to introduce a new vang, which we’ll test and present in a future issue. For this evaluation, we looked at the conventional
QuikVang, a top performer in previous tests, and a product that Hall has been building for 20 years.
Marketed principally as a sail-trimming device, the QuikVang has anodized aluminum tubing and end fittings as well as a stainless steel spring. A Delrin plug in the inner tube acts as a piston to compress the spring when the 18:1 purchase system is tensioned. Delrin sleeves between the two tubes reduce friction and snug tolerances between the spring and the outer tubing keep the spring in column. Once installed, you can adjust the vang’s resting height in one-inch increments by loosening the set screws on the adjuster knob.
The purchase system features Harken blocks and Yale Dacron braided line, and includes a ratchet block and cam cleat so you don’t need any additional deck hardware for basic operation. Three parts of the purchase use stainless wire over aluminum sheaves, which are mounted in the jaws of the vang. Hall’s end-fittings are machined from aluminum and then hardcoat anodized.
The QuikVang was easy to install and adjust. It operated smoothly and reliably returned the boom to its initial position. One convenient feature is a ratchet that lets you release the control line under heavy load. And Hall’s booklet of instructions is very complete, including information on installation, operation, and maintenance. This model has a stroke range of 6 inches, 600 pounds of return force, comes with a three-year unconditional warranty, and sells for $906, not including end fittings.
Seoladair’s Boomkicker Seoladair, a small manufacturing firm just outside of Chicago, IL, produces stowable fenders, rolling boom bales, and the Boomkicker. This product is simple and will suit owners who want something to support their boom and work in tandem with an existing soft vang.
The Boomkicker, which is sold in five sizes for boats from 14 to 38 feet, is simply a set of fiberglass rods. The rods are held captive at either end with hardcoat anodized aluminum collars and attach to the mast and boom via durable, machined and anodized aluminum fittings. Users can further customize the Boomkicker by cutting the rods to a shorter length.
PS found the Boomkicker simple to install and easy to use. The 1500 we tested came accompanied by a 4:1 tackle using Harken blocks (and cam cleat) as well as a short section of Spectra run through an additional block to create an 8:1 purchase. Also included was an aluminum attachment tang for the purchase system, as well as a drill bit, stainless fasteners, and a tap to secure the fittings to the boom. (In most cases, the mast fitting uses the luff groove for attachment and no drilling or tapping is necessary.) At 4.5 pounds, the Boomkicker is the lightest in this test. The model we tested offers 600 pounds of return force with a stroke range of up to 16 inches, and carries a five-year warranty. It sells for $309, not including tackle, which we found for $173.
Last year, Seoladair introduced a new sliding boom fitting, which includes a 16-inch section of aluminum track and a car for the upper end. Without this, the Boomkicker drop outs out of the boom when it’s raised well above horizontal. This is to prevent overloading of the fittings. We’d definitely shell out the extra $108 for the new boom fitting.
Selden’s Rodkicker Selden’s Rodkickers come in four sizes for boats from 22 to 60 feet and use gas-pistons for their return force. These pistons are mounted inside rectangular anodized aluminum extrusions that are mated to anodized aluminum end-fittings secured with Monel rivets. This vang came with an external 4:1 block and tackle using Rutgerson fiddle blocks with a cam cleat, which Selden sells as an option. The tackle connects to a large stainless wire that runs over a composite sheave integrated into the vang’s upper end fitting, creating an 8:1 purchase.
We tested the Rodkicker 20, which is rated for boats from 35 to 42 feet. To specify its vangs, the company first looks at righting moment and rig type, and thereafter considers the weight of the boom and sail. The Rodkicker 20 claims a stroke range of seven inches and a return force of 876 pounds using the normal gas piston. The inner extrusion is capped by a composite plug, which acts as a bushing.
It took PS testers about 20 minutes to read the instructions and assemble the Rodkicker 20, which arrived in three boxes. It mounted easily to the machined boom (aluminum) and mast (stainless steel) fittings that the company supplied. The first time we used it, this vang took the most force (roughly 60 pounds) to compress, but it operated smoothly after that. Bernie Beasley at Selden told us that operation of each vang relies on the weight of a full boom and sail resting on it. With that factored in, he said, we wouldn’t have experienced as much initial resistance.
Selden offers a two-year warranty on the Rodkicker. The 20 sells for $685, not including tackle. We were impressed by several aspects of this vang. Where clevis pins are used to connect the vang to the boom and mast, the end fittings have recesses to keep the cotter pins from sticking out and doing damage. And the boom fitting uses three Allen screws for attachment. These can either be tapped into the spar or dogged down for compression attachment. Selden also offers a universal boom bale for booms without an integral track.
Sparcraft Based in France, Sparcraft has manufacturing facilities for mast, booms, and rigging systems there and in the United States at Charleston Spars in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Ocean Vang uses anodized aluminum tubes that compress a stainless steel spring by way of an external 4:1 purchase system to deliver a return force of 300 pounds The vang has sheaves integrated into its end fittings, and there are no external blocks, which simplifies the arrangement, but limits the amount of purchase available. (Some vangs are sold with additional external tackle.) The polished, 316 stainless-steel brackets for mast and boom come in various sizes and configurations.
Installation was simple and straightforward, which was good because the vang arrived with no instructions. You’ll need to lead the the control line to a swiveling, pivoting block mounted on deck because the sheaves in the vang don’t articulate and the line won’t otherwise lead in a fair fashion when the boom is off centerline.
PS found two problems with the Ocean Vang. Its spring was squeaky and it didn’t regularly return the boom to its initial point after we installed it. When we opened the unit, we found that the design doesn’t keep the spring in column. When the spring moves off-center — as is almost certain to occur any time the spring is under load — the spring rubs directly on the outer tube, producing friction and squeaking. We applied some WD 40 and the vang worked more smoothly and squeaked less, though it still didn’t perform satisfactorily.
Jim Kulibert, Charleston Spars’ director of sales, told us that our experience was an anomaly. He says the company has furnished hundreds of these vangs to boats over the years and they never receive complaints of squeaks or binding.
This size Ocean Vang retails for $279, which includes the control line, but not the brackets for the mast ($39) or boom ($42). The vang carries a one-year warranty.
Conclusions For cruising sailors, it’s most important that a rigid vang works to support the boom and secondarily to trim the mainsail. If simple support is what you’re after, almost all of these products are suitable. Factor in ease of operation, and you can whittle that group down by excluding the Sparcraft’s Ocean Vang, which we have given a Don’t Buy rating.
If post-installation adjustment is the next criterion, you can overlook the vangs from Selden and Seoladair, which worked perfectly well in all other aspects. So, you’re left with our selection of vangs from Garhauer, Forespar, Hall, and Marine Products Engineering (the Vang Master). The Garhauers offer limited adjustment pre-installation, the
Yacht Rod adjusts in 4-inch increments, the QuikVang in 1-inch increments, and the Vang Master’s range is virtually unlimited.
If you want a basic rigid boom vang that is well built and functions smoothly for the least dollar outlay, Garhauer is the clear choice. Astoundingly, these rugged vangs are about half the price of those from the other builders, and with a 10-year warranty, they are hands down our Budget Buy.
If you are interested in a smoothly operating vang that you can use to reliably control your mainsail, those from Forespar or Hall fit the bill and earn our Recommended rating. But of all the vangs, the Vang Master from Marine Products Engineering has the best adjustability, the smoothest operation, the longest stroke range, and the longest warranty of these three, and thus, even with it’s high pricetag, it is our Best Choice overall.
Also With This Article “Vang Types” “PS Recommended” “PS Value Guide: Boom Vangs”
What issue did this article appear in?
The prices in this article are from 2006 /2019?? I’m interested in the Garhauser vang but see only these vangs and prices: Rigid Boom Vang RV20-1 DX => $679.80 Rigid Boom Vang RV20-1 SL => $599.50
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A boom vang or kicking strap on a sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail. Boom vangs helps control boom height which determines twist, or the shape of the mainsail leech during different wind conditions.
Sailboat Block & Tackle sets come with both of the blocks and a cleat to create a full boom vang system in one product. Simply select the purchase that you need and the working load based on your boat size.
If you are expecting a lot of light wind sailing and want to add some extra shape to your leech, add a rigid boom vang to hold up your boom so you don't have to. Instead of having to install and remove a topping lift, just keep a Sailboat Rigid Boom Vangs on your boom to keep it up even while you are gone.
Hydraulic Boom Vangs are used on larger sailboats and controlled by manual or electric hydraulic pumps.
Find Boom Vangs at MAURIPRO Sailing. We are your go-to online store for all sailboat equipment!
MAURIPRO Sailing, your direct access to Boom Vangs and all your other sailing and boating needs.
(001) 401-739-1140 -- (001) 401-739-1149 | |
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A Boom Vang lets you control the leech tension of the mainsail independently of the mainsheet so you can better shape the mainsail for maximum efficiency. They're particularly effective off the wind, when the pull of the sheet is primarily horizontal, because they prevent the boom from lifting and spilling the wind. Rope (soft) Vangs are also used in Downwind situations as a Preventer - the Mast End is simply moved to an attachment point on the rail to help prevent the dangerous unintended Jibe. Boom Vangs are mounted between the Mast and the Boom and are used to keep the Boom from rising (without using the main sheet), and, in the case of Hard Vangs, to support the Boom (without using a topping lift). Vangs are normally mounted as close to the deck as possible (on the Mast), and from 30 to 40% of the Boom length aft (on the Boom). are used for attachment points on the Boom and (on smaller boats) often on the Mast, though there a variety of section-specific Vang Brackets for individual Mast Sections. For these items you'll need to identify your Mast Section, See . Note that some Mast Steps and Deck Collars already have integral Bails or other provisions for attachment of Rope (soft) Vangs. - Block and Tackle with an integral cleat and Shackles on each end. | |
Soft (Rope) Vangs are basically a block and tackle with an integral cleating mechanism as part of one of the blocks and Shackles on each end. Some Soft Vangs have (on one or both ends) so they can be moved to other locations quickly, for instance as a preventer. In most smaller boat applications Soft Vangs are attached to the Mast or Boom with Standard Pivoting Boom Bails which attach with a single Bolt. Some specialized Mast and Boom Sections have special brackets and attachments. Select from those listed on-site under your specific Mast or Boom Section - , or . | |
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Designed for Dingys and small boats up to 22', Economical Boom Vang Kit has Stainless Steel Blocks with Wire Pennant and Swage Ball (on upper block) and sheave attachment (on lower Block). Lower Block is attached to Mast using a short piece of 1/4" line anchored to an eyestrap on the front of the Mast (line, eyestrap & fasteners included). Wire Pennant with 1/8" Swage Ball attaches to (order separately). Lower Block incorporates SS V-jam Cleat, and includes 10' of 1/4" line with an eye splice. Provides a 3-1 purchase. Safe working load is 900 lbs..
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Boom Vang has Gibb Blocks with shackles, Cam Cleat, and includes 30' of 3/8" line with an eye splice and whipped end. Provides a 5-1 purchase. For use on boats up to 29' LOA. Safe working load is 1500 lbs..
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Boom Vang has Stainless Steel Blocks with swivel shackles, Cam Cleat, and includes 30' of 3/8" line with an eye splice and whipped end. Provides a 4-1 purchase. For use on boats up to 35' LOA. Safe working load is 2000 lbs..
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Boom Vang has Gibb Blocks with shackles, Cam Cleat, and includes 30' of 3/8" line with an eye splice and whipped end. Provides a 5-1 purchase. For use on boats up to 29' LOA. Safe working load is 1500 lbs..
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Boom Vang has Schaefer 02 Blocks with fixed (non-swiveling) shackles, SS V-jam Cleat, and includes 20' of 1/4" line with an eye splice. Provides a 4-1 purchase. 20' LOA, 2,000 lbs. displacement, and 225 sq. ft. Mainsail area. Safe working load is 900 lbs..
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Boom Vang has Schaefer 03 Blocks with swivel shackles, SS Cam Cleat, and includes 25' of 5/16" line with an eye splice. Provides a 4-1 purchase. 27' LOA, 5,000 lbs. displacement, and 315 sq. ft. Mainsail area. Safe working load is 1000 lbs..
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- 05 w/ 30' of 3/8" line: Sch 35-01: | |
Boom Vang has Schaefer 05 Blocks with swivel SS Cam Cleat, and includes 30' of 3/8" line with an eye splice. Provides a 3-1 purchase. 33' LOA, 12,000 lbs. displacement, and 520 sq. ft. Mainsail area. Safe working load is 1750 lbs..
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- 05 w/ 40' of 3/8" line: Sch 35-03: | |
Boom Vang has Schaefer 05 Blocks with swivel SS Cam Cleat, and includes 40' of 3/8" line with an eye splice. Provides a 4-1 purchase. 33' LOA, 12,000 lbs. displacement, and 520 sq. ft. Mainsail area. Safe working load is 1750 lbs..
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Boom Vang has Schaefer 07 Blocks with swivel shackles, SS Cam Cleat, and includes 40' of 3/8" line with an eye splice. Provides a 4-1 purchase. 38' LOA, 18,000 lbs. displacement, and 715 sq. ft. Mainsail area. Safe working load is 2250 lbs..
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- 07 w/ 40' of 3/8" line: Sch 35-13: | |
Boom Vang has Schaefer 07 Blocks with swivel SS Cam Cleat, and includes 40' of 3/8" line with an eye splice. Provides a 4-1 purchase. 38' LOA, 18,000 lbs. displacement, and 715 sq. ft. Mainsail area. Safe working load is 2250 lbs..
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- 07 w/ 40' of 3/8" line: Sch 35-15X: | |
Boom Vang has Schaefer 07 Blocks with (lower Block only), SS Cam Cleat, and includes 40' of 3/8" line with an eye splice. Provides a 4-1 purchase. 38' LOA, 18,000 lbs. displacement, and 715 sq. ft. Mainsail area. Safe working load is 2250 lbs..
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Hard (Solid or Rigid) Vangs consist of an adjustable strut (usually metal) which is controlled with a line or by Hydraulics. Non-Hydraulic units use line to compress them, and normally have a spring to cushion Boom loads and, in most cases, can support the Boom without using a topping lift. Hard Vangs are attached to the Mast and Boom with specialized fittings that are usually specific to particular Mast and Boom Sections. Select from those listed on-site under your specific Mast or Boom Section - , or . | |
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Just purchased my first sailboat, 1983 Hunter 25, the blockhouse edition. There is no boom vang. Is this correct for this year and model? Trying to learn all I can. Thanks for responses.
Not much information on this even under boat information. Take a couple of photos of the back of the mast at the deck and one other of the bottom side of the boom at least 1/3 of the way from the back of the mast. I am wanting to see if any attachments are there to attach a boom bang for example a boom bail
I had a '85 Hunter 23 many years ago, and I don't recall it having a vang....
My '77 h30 did not have vang, either. Easy to install.
If you want a vang, just install one. I personally can't imagine NOT having one. It is possible the manufacturer offered the vang as an option. Some boats in that size range, which were intended to serve as weekenders, were equipped with a lifting cabin roof (pop top) which provided improved standing room while at anchor. In the lowered position the cabin roof offered a better sailing profile and allowed for a detachable boom vang. You can easily add one to your boat, simply add a quick release shackle so the vang can be quickly attached/detached for sailing and dropping the mast when trailering.
Add one... it's a safety device when downwind in a breeze.
bnolen said: There is no boom vang. Is this correct for this year and model? Click to expand
The Cherubini Hunters were designed to a price point and were very basic in terms of sail controls from the factory, but easily accommodate additional controls. I know that my H30 originally had no traveler, no vang and no cunningham. It does now because I added the vang & cunningham myself and upgraded the traveler a previous owner had installed. I actually chose a rigid vang and got rid of the topping lift because it frequently snagged the batten end covers on the main. Add whatever controls you want.
I am having this exact issue with my Hunter 23.. wondering if I should install a mast step plate with attachment points centered for the vang, or should I install a mast bail with a thru-bolt? I stupidly attached the vang to the existing aluminum mase base plate that only has holes on the side off-centered ... didn't loosen it enough before a jibe and it snapped off. I dont want to put a point of failure into the bottom of my mast with a bail, but I also don't want to have to manufacture a part if I can avoid it. I appreciate any insight!
@lakesurfsailor can you take a photo of the existing mast foot and mast plate/step at the rear. Do you see any identification mfg. sticker on the boom or mast The hunter 23 new came with a boom vang
Crazy Dave Condon said: @lakesurfsailor can you take a photo of the existing mast foot and mast plate/step at the rear. Do you see any identification mfg. sticker on the boom or mast The Hunter 23 new came with a boom vang Click to expand
The mast is a Z Spar mast based on two photos, the mast step attached to the deck and the manufacture ID plate attached to the mast as Z Diffusion. I would suggest talking to the forum store and say Crazy Dave as advised a new mast step, retaining pin and bottom strap that is held by that retaining pin designed to attach the bottom of the Vang. On the bottom of the mast step you will find a model number I need to know which boom you have. There should be a mfg. sticker on it. Photos of the sticker and boom. Make sure you post a photo of the lower part of the boom so I can see if there’s an attachment for the boom vang on the bottom of the boom. Do nothing until you respond back. ZSpar is now represented by U S Spars and contact there is Dave in Sales. Located near Gainesville FL.
Thanks for that info Dave! Here are some photos of the boom. It does look to be a Zspar boom. Are you saying there is a strap that can attach to the pin and that will take the load of the vang?
Picture show the boom is Z spar. View 4 shows an eye for attachmentl Are there two of them one for the boom vang and the other for the mainsheet
Hollyberry said: Add one... it's a safety device when downwind in a breeze. Click to expand
danstanford said: I have always considered a vang to help remove twist when the mainsheet cannot do it. In what way is it a safety device as well? Click to expand
It can be considered as a safety device in the sense that any sail control could be considered a way to adjust the rig to sail more safely. The vang can quickly de power the main. In the J World videos the vang release precedes the easing of spinnaker sheets to prevent a broach. 'Course that's a J24.
I think the de-power setting for the vang is released. That allows the top of the main to twist off and dump air. The vang "on" is the power up position. I know there are some on this forum that disagree. Might be an interesting and enlightening discussion
What is a Sailboat Boom Vang?
Last Updated by
Daniel Wade
June 15, 2022
A boom vang is a set of blocks and lines or an adjustable pole used to pull the boom down and shape the sail.
The boom vang (or “kicking strap”) is a system used to control the shape of the sail. It counteracts the upward force of the boom jack and the mainsail by pulling the boom downward. This results in the ability to control the shape of the sail.
Table of contents
What's the difference between the boom vang and the mainsheet? On many sailboats, the boom vang and the mainsheet look similar, as both use a set of blocks to control the motion of the boom.
The easiest way to tell the difference between the boom vang and the mainsheet is location. The boom vang typically begins close to the base of the mast and connects to the base of the boom at about a 45-degree angle.
The mainsheet is much further back and generally vertically-oriented. Sometimes, the mainsheet is located far at the end of the mast and connected to the stern of the vessel. Just remember boom vang forward, mainsheet aft.
A boom vang is a simple device consisting of a pole or a set of blocks and lines. The primary purpose of the boom vang is to control the vertical orientation of the boom and to exert a downward force on it.
Without the boom vang, the wind would blow the sail uncontrollably and make it difficult to maneuver efficiently. The mainsheet, which appears to exert downward pressure on the boom, wouldn't be able to adjust the sail effectively without a separate system like a boom vang.
A properly-adjusted boom vang becomes more important as you let out the mainsheet. The further from the centerline the boom travels, the less downward force the mainsheet provides.
This means that you'd lose a tremendous amount of control without a boom vang, especially as you loosen the sheet. A boom vang exerts a constant downward force on the sail regardless of what position the boom is in. This keeps the sail shape consistent in all conditions.
There are two primary types of boom vangs used on sailboats today. The first and most common type is the standard boom vang. Standard boom vangs consist of a block and tackle arrangement that mounts to the base of the mast and bottom of the boom.
The second type is the hydraulic boom vang , which is more advanced and offers unique benefits. The hydraulic boom vang uses a hydraulic piston that looks like an oversized automobile shock or door opener.
The benefit of a hydraulic boom vang is that it holds the vertical position of the boom without assistance. It's rigid in both directions and doesn't require upward force to keep the boom in place.
Hydraulic boom vangs are costlier than traditional block-and-tackle setups. That said, they're easy to install and generally simple to operate. Hydraulic boom vangs are common on newer sailboats, especially those that exceed 30 feet in length.
A boom gnav is one of the most intuitive pieces of sailboat equipment. The word "gnav" is "vang" spelled backward, and it performs the exact same task on the opposite end of the boom.
A boom gnav exerts a downward force on the boom to counteract the upward force of the wind or rigging. A boom gnav pushes the boom down, whereas a boom vang pulls it down. Not all sailboats have a boom gnav, and those that do often use it as a substitute for a boom vang.
Boom gnav systems are most common on small sailboats , where the added lower triangle of a boom vang gets in the way. A boom gnav takes up no extra cockpit space as it mounts atop the boom and to a higher point on the mast.
In other words, the boom gnav operates within the sail area, which is a part of the boat that's already unusable due to the sail. A boom gnav is usually a pole that adjusts by sliding forward and aft on the boom, which changes the angle and downward force.
Maintenance is essential to keep your sailboat in safe and working condition, and the boom vang is no exception. There are a few boom vang parts you should inspect and maintain regularly.
The mounting points of the boom vang are subjected to a considerable amount of force, and they should be inspected regularly. Look for signs of corrosion (galvanic or otherwise) and bending.
If you notice any deformation, replace the mounting points and hardware with marine-grade hardware. Make sure the aluminum mast is solid, as corrosion can weaken the areas around the mounting holes.
For traditional boom vangs, regularly inspecting the blocks and lines can prevent problems down the road. Over time, nylon lines become salt and sun-damaged and begin to fray. If the lines are brittle and leave excessive dust on your hands, it may be time to replace them.
Blocks are generally reliable and don't require a significant amount of maintenance. That said, you should inspect your blocks and make sure they spin freely. If they don't (or they become too loose), they could be failing and should be replaced with high-quality marine blocks.
Hydraulic boom vangs are simpler than traditional block and tackle setups, but they still require regular inspection. A hydraulic boom vang uses a piston and a working fluid instead of lines and pulleys.
On hydraulic boom vangs, the primary failure points are the seals and the mounting points. If your boom vang begins to leak, you'll notice a decrease in stability, and the vang won't hold tension.
Another common failure point is the spring, which can weaken or break and make the vang almost unusable. In most cases, the best option when your hydraulic boom vang fails is to replace it entirely.
A boom jack (also known as a lazy jack) is the rigging that exerts an upward force that the boom vang or boom gnav counteracts. The boom jack begins at the boom and reaches up to the top of the mast.
Boom jacks resemble any other rigging on a sailboat. They roughly form the triangular shape of the sail and usually mount to the boom at multiple points.
A typical boom jack begins as a single line at the top of the mast. About 1/4 of the way down the mast, it splits into two lines. At the halfway point, each end of the two lines splits again into four. These four lines run down to the boom and mount evenly-spaced apart.
The purpose of the boom jack is to exert even upward force on the boom. The tension of the boom jack is set as to counteract the tension of the boom vang, which holds the boom at a steady 90 degrees. The boom jack line runs down from the top of the mast to a block or cleat on the opposite end of the boom vang.
Generally speaking, the boom vang isn't as important when traveling upwind as it is when traveling downwind. This is especially true once you've maxed-out your mainsheet traveler.
At this point, the vang controls the twist of the mainsail. With an improperly-adjusted vang (or lack thereof), you could experience a lot of up-and-down play of the boom. This can cause you to lose control of the mainsail.
A properly-adjusted boom vang can help you keep your mainsail shaped correctly and keep your boom in the proper position. It also gives you precise control of your speed when traveling downwind.
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Gukogo town, Rostov Oblast, Russia. 30,000 tons per year (about 650 BPD). Construction and start-up, 1995.
Kardimovo town, Smolensk Oblast, Russia. 50,000 tons per year (about 1000 BPD). Construction and start-up, 1998.
Ilsk Asphalt plant, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. 50,000 tons per year (about 1000 BPD). Construction and start-up, 2000.
Shakhty town, Rostov Oblast, Russia. 30,000 tons per year (about 650 BPD). Construction and start-up, 2002.
Novy Urengoy, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia. 50,000 tons per year (1000 BPD). EPC - turnkey design, construction, start-up in 2005. Operation 2005-2018. Reconstruction 2019-2020.
Zhanaozen town, Kazakhstan. 15,000 tons per year (about 300 BPD). Construction and start-up, 2007.
Tyulgan town, Orenburg Oblast, Russia. 50,000 tons per year (about 1000 BPD). EPC - turnkey design, construction, start-up and operation since 2010.
Yartsevo, Smolensk Oblast, Russia. 100,000 tons per year (about 2000 BPD). Construction management 2011. Reconstruction 2018-2019.
Dauria, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia. 100,000 tons per year (about 2000 BPD). Design, construction management. 2015-2016.
Oryol city, Russia. 50,000 tons per year (about 1000 BPD). Design, construction management in 2018. Start up in 2019.
Kazakhstan. 40,000 tons per year (about 800 BPD). Processing of fuel oil into NGLs (broad fraction of light hydrocarbons). 2023-2024.
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A vang is critical for controlling the leech tension that affects the power the sail can develop. If he leech is too closed (tight) the air cannot exit properly and stalls. If it is too slack (open) the air spills off the upper half of the sail and you lose the power that could be converted to moving the boat.
Master the boom vang and its role in sail shape, performance, and safety. Explore its components, types, installation, and maintenance for optimal sailing at...
The vang allows vertical adjustment of the boom, and is an extremely important tool to shape the main for speed. Tension the vang to tighten the leech, flatten the sail and bend the mast. Cruisers use the vang to keep the boom from rising when sailing downwind and abraiding the main. Typical boat length: Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
vang will hold the boom UP when the boom is near the centerline , so that. the weight of the boom itself and the sail will not allow the shape of the. leech of the main to be affected . ie: the leech will not be over trimmed. because the boom cannot pull down the main closing off the aft edge of the main. it keeps the leech open . This is why I ...
Now glue the aluminum rod into the boom tube. A boom vang controls the up/down movement of the boom. Use a 3mm ball link secured with a self locking nut and attach it to the bottom of the gooseneck. The IOM class rules require a boom vang which holds to pull and yields to pressure so such a linkage must be built.
Model # 283251 Mfg # VANG-S45 8. $294.99 Model # 283251 Mfg # VANG-S45 8. Quantity not available. ... Boom vangs control mainsail leech tension independently of the mainsheet so you can control sail twist. They're particularly effective off the wind, when the pull of the sheet is primarily horizontal, because they prevent the boom from ...
Installation instructions. To install a boom vang on a C-22 or similar sailboat: 1. The vang should be installed at a 45 degree angle between the mast and boom. Measure the height of the top of the boom above the cabin roof with the mainsail at full hoist. For a Catalina 22, it should be 39″. 2.
the main boom with the music wire wrapped and held in place before "glassing" the bend on the end of the music wire is just slightly less than 90 degrees. Views: 172. everything put together, everything painted and sealed with resin, bowsie knot installed to provide tension and adjustment for the boom. Jul 14, 2012, 05:05 PM. #7.
The vang primarily pulls the outboard end of the boom down. This increases the length from the head of the sail to the clew, which tightens the leech. A tight leech is called "closed" and puts very little twist in the sail. Easing the vang allows the boom to rise, shortening the distance from the head to the clew, allowing the leech to "open."
The Boom Vang, in its simplest form, is a block and tackle arranged in such a fashion that it applies downward force (also upward force, see rigid vang) to the boom. This will allow the sailor to control the tension of the leech at all points of sail, regardless of the boom's sheet tension. Although more purchase may be necessary, typically ...
The Vang Master VM-4 offers 16 to 18 inches of stroke range with up to 500 pounds of return force, and comes with a four-year warranty that covers any breakage under normal use. It sells for $845, including the pump, but not the end fittings ($110 for the boom, $145 for the mast). Garhauer Marine.
A boom vang or kicking strap on a sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail. Boom vangs helps control boom height which determines twist, or the shape of the mainsail leech during different wind conditions. Sailboat Block & Tackle sets come with both of the blocks and a cleat to create a full boom ...
Spars, Rigging, and Hardware for Sailboats. Rig-Rite, Inc. Phone: (001) 401-739-1140 -- FAX: (001) 401-739-1149 www.RigRite.com Ordering/Questions: Boom Vangs: Boom Vangs: A Boom Vang lets you control the leech tension of the mainsail independently of the mainsheet so you can better shape the mainsail for maximum efficiency. ... Boom Vang, 4-1 ...
Beneteau 323 Manistee, MI. Oct 28, 2019. #2. My Bene323 has a rigid vang. I do adjust depending on wind conditions, but not to the extent that I used to when I was racing small boats that had a block and tackle adjustment. I like the rigid vang for the function of holding up the boom, but its kind of a "belt and suspenders" approach.
Sailboats need control systems. A Boom Vang is a standard control system to help the skipper trim the main sail. I your boat does not have one and you want one, just study the mechanical attachments needed. The angles of pull to accomplish the task of holding the boom in place to adjust the main trim of the sail.
June 15, 2022. A boom vang is a set of blocks and lines or an adjustable pole used to pull the boom down and shape the sail. The boom vang (or "kicking strap") is a system used to control the shape of the sail. It counteracts the upward force of the boom jack and the mainsail by pulling the boom downward. This results in the ability to ...
Using the Boom Vang: Advanced Sailing Video Lessons. Part of the series: Advanced Sailing Lessons. Learn how to use the boom vang in this free video on saili...
radiosailingshop : vangs - goosenecks - sailsetc drawings rig kits & rig plans boom kits masts alum & carbon fibre boom sections vangs - goosenecks mast, boom & rigging parts hull & deck fittings rudders fins and bulbs sails & sailmaking winches & drums radios servos batteries etc accessories, covers & misc. fasteners screws, bolts, nuts spare parts print your own catalogue free boat & rigging ...
A boom vang is a line or piston system that exerts downward force on the boom, controlling the shape of the sail and enhancing overall sailing efficiency. At Fisheries Supply, we offer a wide range of rigid boom vangs from top brands, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your sailboat. Our selection includes the renowned Rodkicker from ...
Smolensk. Smolensk is a city and the administrative center of Smolensk Oblast, Russia, located on the Dnieper River, 360 kilometers west-southwest of Moscow. First mentioned in 863, it is one of the oldest cities in Russia. It has a population of 316,570 . Photo: Fisss, Public domain. Photo: Николай Смолянкин, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Excellent museum charting the history of Smolensk and its battles since the creation of the fortress. Located in one of the fortress towers with the chance to go out on a viewing platform and up to the top of the tower. Warning - lots of steps! Great detail, clearly explained. Lots of historical objects and costumes and a superb town model.
Oryol city, Russia. 50,000 tons per year (about 1000 BPD). Design, construction management in 2018. Start up in 2019. Kazakhstan. 40,000 tons per year (about 800 BPD). Processing of fuel oil into NGLs (broad fraction of light hydrocarbons). 2023-2024. Noble Technologies Ltd - leading EPC contractor of mini oil refineries.
The Smolensk Oblast Chamber of Commerce is a local organization of businesses and companies in Smolensk with the intention to develop and further the interests of local companies and businesses in Russia. Many businesses are international operating companies with offices in Russia. Members of a Chamber of Commerce are usually international and local operating companies, such as lawyers ...