boom vang and cunningham.

[Leland]

On my Oday 23 it is not set up with a boom vang or cunningham. I make my own little makeshift cunningham with a small length of line but I have never used a boom vang. My question is whether anyone knows who makes a good quality boom vang and cunningham for my size boat. I need opinions on what is better and what is not. What to look for when buying either of these items or MAKING them. Any and all information is helpful.

[sailingdog]

Garhauer marine makes a good boom vang, and is a good source for what you'd need for a cunningham.

[Faster]

A vang could be a simple strop to limit excessive boom lift going downwind, all the way to a rigid boom-supporting device that costs several hundred dollars.

Whichever system you choose, the most important point is to have something in place. For your boat even a simple 4 part tackle run to a cam cleat at the aft end of the cabin will do the trick.

As SD indicated, Gerhaur will have the necessary parts, as will Harken, Lewmar, Schaeffer and others. The Harken catalogue is a good guide to what type of blocks you'll need even if you choose to use someone else's stuff.

Even on a small boat the loads on a vang can be fairly high so don't skimp on the fittings on the mast and boom.. again, check around for what's available.

[Leland]

I checked out Garhauer marine and was pleased to see what they have to offer. Now my question is what load capacity would I be looking for on my oday 23 as I have never dealt with these numbers before.

[sailingdog]

I would guess that their 25-series boom vang, with a SWL of 1000 lbs. is probably what you would need.

You should call them, and ask them... they'll be able to tell you what would work for your boat.

Garhauer is now stock gear for several manufacturers, including Catalina, and Catalina has a boat about the same size as yours—the Catalina 25 appears to use a 25-series boom vang, as you can see here.

[Freesail99]

If you send Garhauer marine an email or call them, they will answer your questions.

[Quickstep192]

here's one on Ebay from a Catalina 24 that should be a good fit for your O'Day.

[sailingdog]

Considering the price of the new hardware, does it make much sense to buy a used one??? The Garhauer boom vang is only $105 or so.

[j34035]

Call Garhauer. Talk to Guido or one of the others there, they are really nice people that will give you good feedback on what you need. They will also customize their gear to your specific needs if necessary.
DD

[blt2ski]

You might also try Harkens compuspec on there sight. Gahauer is probably cheaper $$ wise, not sure about quality tho. You can get a few levels with harken. Ronstan in another reasonably priced company.

I made my own vang with a double and a fiddle block, on the boom and mast, then a single to the top of the cabin to a jam cleat such that it is adjustable from the cockpit. Total in Harken gear was less than $100 for my Jeanneau 30.

Marty