How to attach a solid vang

[TaylorC]

I'm adding a solid vang to my boat, looking at Forespar's Yacht Rod. The mast fitting looks pretty straightforward, but I wonder what people use to attach these to the mast - tapped machine screws, stainless rivets... what? These are under tension when it really counts and I don't the thing being uprooted off the mast. The boom fitting looks like it may be designed to fit some sort of track. Has anyone installed a Yacht Rod solid vang and know how the boom fitting attaches?

Also - any opinions on Garhauer vs Forespar?

BTW - this is a 46' sloop with ~500 sq ft of main, so its a handful.

[PBzeer]

Garhauer makes quality equipment, at a reasonable price. I have a Garhauer Rigid Vang on my boat. If it wasn't dark, I'd look see what the mast plate is attached with (offhand, I think it's rivets).

[brak]

Beezer, who installed the vang for you? Was it a doityourself job? I am considering one but only if I can actually do the install.

[sailingdog]

I'd go with Garhauer. They actually make a mounting plate for the mast that is based on the shape of your mast. Same for the boom. You have to send them the mast and boom profiles. Reasonable prices, good solid gear.

As for what to attach it with... you could use either stainless steel/monel pop rivets or screws. A lot of it depends on the mast and boom. Some are too thin to really safely drill and tap.

[killarney_sailor]

I installed one of their vangs and it was great to have all of the pieces (mounting plates) supplied. I drilled and tapped and it worked just fine.

[TaylorC]

Hey, thanks all. I'm going with Garhauer. The lure of custom fittings and length combined with a really great price was impossible to pass up. I'll post back when I have it installed.