Hi-Low Reefer/Rigid Boom Vang

[CapnSantiago]

I have recently purchased a 30' sailboat with a Hi-Low Reefer (in boom mainsail furling) and rigid boom vang all by John Mast. I have tried to contact the John Mast company via website email as well as any of their english speaking distributors (no state side distributors) but received no response.
I am having trouble with the furling system jambing when lowering the main and have to limp back to the slip and wrestle it into the boom. It seems to bunch up and jamb at the base of the mast. I have been told by fellow sailors that the boom must be at 87 degrees to the mast (3 degrees above horizontal) for it to furl properly. The rigid boom vang will not hold it that high and actually allows it to drop to about 5-10 degrees below horizontal. I find no adjustments on the boom vang and it is sealed with revits.
Does anyone have experience with this system, know of a stateside or english speaking distributor, or have knowledge of how to get this system working properly. Someone has suggested I drill out the rivets and remove and stretch the spring (I don't want to tear it up). Alternatively I could reposition the vang on the boom closer to the mast, but will it eventually sag and the spring need to be stretched anyway.
I would appreciate any help/input on this matter. I am mechanical and can fix it myself if I just have some proper understanding/input/instructions (If anyone out there has the installation/instruction manuals for this system I could probably figure it out).
Thanks - Capn Santiago

[camaraderie]

http://johnmast.dk/_pdf/uk/hi-low.pdf

According to the PDF...the boom vang is gas loaded...my guess is that you've lost some gas and are no longer getting full extension upwards. Moving the vang will not help. Suggest fitting a new vang...perhaps a screw type adjustable one (like Schaeffer uses) that will allow you to experiment with the angles a bit. MY in boom furler uses 89 degrees so I wouldn't trust dockside speculation unless you know the proper angle from the manufacturer. There are phone numbers on the above pdf link...why not phone or fax them if you are not getting e-mail answers?

[sailortjk1]

I don't find a rigid vang is enough to support the boom.
I would suggest installing a topping lift and use that to support the boom and get the propper angle that you require.

[camaraderie]

tjk1...my boom is bigger than yours and I have a rigid boomstrut and no topper.
Guess you can't get yours up eh? (G)

[sailortjk1]

Mine is getting old, doesn't want to stay up anymore.

No seriuosly, I think mine is just spring loaded, not the gas or screw type.
But, that sounds like a pretty expensive replacement vang. He might want to concider going topping lift, no? Would that not help in this situation?

[camaraderie]

TJK1...(LOL) Topping lift could work but is generally avoided on roller booms since it interferes with the sail when you want to reef while sailing....especially if sail has positive roach as many do and doesn't keep the boom at a fixed angle in a seaway as a solid screw type strut would. I don't think much of this particular furling system with its use of a gas strut and a high friction attachment to the mast with no articulation like Shaeffer and Liesure Furl have. It has to be extremely sensitive to the boom angle and a pain to furl without luffing up.

[sailortjk1]

Thanks for the education Cam, that is why I love this place.