Boom Vang-a-lang-a-lang-a

[Windkiller]

Howdi I'm installing a a boom vang on my 18' pocket cruiser trailer sailor\
A Crown 18 displacement around 1100-1200 lbs
It has a about 177 square feet of sail area and the main sail foot is 8' I believe with the boom being about 9'
I have some skookum blocks that'll give me a 4 to one purchase and the fitting to rivet onto the boom as well as very sturdy attachment point at the base of the mast that I believe is made for this very purpose
I think the boom vang is an option for these boats that mine never had
There's about 2 feet from the bottom of the gooseneck to the attachment at the bottom of the mast
Do I want to go with a 45 degree angle and attach 2 feet out onto the boom as well or should I attach out a little further and go with a shallower angle
Most information I've fouund seems to say 45 degrees
What say you all?

[TropicCat]

mine is closer to 30 degrees

[Faster]

I'd say anywhere from 45 to 30 degrees would be fine.. farther aft on the boom is probably asking a little less of the boom section itself. The key to any vang install is sufficiently strong attachment points.

The loads can be significant, esp if, when 'vanged on hard' going upwind one forgets to ease the vang before bearing off for a windy reach or run.

Also be sure you can quickly release it... if you have a windy wipeout and the boom goes into the water you should be able to immediately release the vang to avoid the hydraulic loads of dragging it through the water.