[Jeff_H]

It is not unusual for small inexpensive cruisers to not have a boom vang. Boom vangs are a very helpful tool and a safety feature in heavier going but you can get by without one. They are comparartively cheap and easy to make for a boat that size; requing two short lengths of line, two single bullet blocks, and a single block with cam cleat. Garhauser make a nice little cascade vang that should work for you when you are ready to add one.

Jeff