Boom Vang

[z1nonlyone]

Hello, I am considering adding a rigid vang to the boom of my boat. The boat has a 13'' boom and its made from .125 thick aluminum extruded into a obround measuring 3 x 5. I will be able to mount the vang approx. 25-30% down the lenght of the boom from the gooseneck and still maintain a 35-45 degree angle from the mast. I have a 250 sq. foot sail. My question is whether or not my boom can handle the stresses of the rigid vang? Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Chris

[joub]

The rigid vang shouldn''t create anymore stress on the boom than a conventional vang. A rigid vang uses a 4 or 6 part tackle to hold the boom down just as a conventional vang does. The only difference is the rigid vang will also hold up the boom when the sail is lowered.

Fairwinds,

Jim

[joub]

The rigid vang shouldn''t create anymore stress on the boom than a conventional vang. A rigid vang uses a 4 or 6 part tackle to hold the boom down just as a conventional vang does. The only difference is the rigid vang will also hold up the boom when the sail is lowered.

Fairwinds,

Jim

[z1nonlyone]

Thanks Joub for your reply. My boat has never had a vang nor do I know if it was ever designed to accomodate one. That is the problem if there is one. I have heard that consulting a spar maker might be the best idea. If I knew that someone else had a boom of similar dimensions/setup, then I might just feel more at ease going for it.

Thanks,

chris

[joub]

Chris,
Your boom material of .125 sounds typical. I would guess my boom of about 13'' is the same. The rigid vang I have installed on my Islander 36 has a fitting on the boom that distributes the load over an area of about 8x4". The fitting was part of the vang hardware and is attached with eight screws threaded into the boom. I''ve had the vang for a couple of years with no problems.

Don''t think your situation is atypical of most installations.
Jim