S2 8.0B Boom vang or not

[willyhog57]

Finding pictures of a few S2 8.0B boats that are equipped with a boom vang. My 1980 8.0B does not have a boom vang and I am looking for information as to the origin of the rigging on boats that are boom vang equipped. Was that an option or are these boats custom rigged? Is sail shape substantially enhanced with the addition of this rigging? Is the boom reinforced in the vang attachment area. S2 did not install a vang so should I drop the concern and trust them? Boat sails beautifully?

[Faster]

The vang is an essential sail trim tool and a safety feature as well, I'd recommend you rig one. Once the sheet is eased from close hauled the only way to get the necessary leech tension is via the vang. A vang will also prevent what's known as a 'goose-wing' gybe which can be dangerous.

Nowadays there are a variety of rigid style vangs that can provide support for the boom in extremely light air, and when the sail is down. IMO even a strop to limit boom lift is better than no vang at all.

[wwilson]

Originally Posted by willyhog57

... Is sail shape substantially enhanced with the addition of this rigging? Is the boom reinforced in the vang attachment area. S2 did not install a vang so should I drop the concern and trust them? Boat sails beautifully?

Yes, sail shape will be enhanced for virtually all points of sail other than hard on the wind where the mainsheet/traveller is providing restriction from boom lift.

OTH, based on your last sentence - maybe good is good enough for your style of sailing. There are lots of boats that sail happily (if not perfectly) without a vang.