Spirit 6.5/23 Boom Vang/Jack

[DenhamTS]

I recently acquired a 6.5 which I believe is very much like the Spirit 23. It has the pop-top and appears to be very much the same. Can someone tell me or send me a picture of how the lower block of the boom vang/jack attaches to the mast or the deck? I can't find any pictures and really need some help. Thanks.

[kstat10]

I have also just picked up a 6.5 and am looking for information on the same thing. I also have questions on how the boom attaches to the mast. If you have any photos I would appreciate them. I have been looking for a copy of the boat manual if you have any suggestions. Sorry that I am not writing with answers, this is my first boat and I have many more questions than anything else.

[jbcsailor]

Did you ever get and answer to this question? I recently purchased a 79 6.5 and trying to figure out the best solution to this before I step the mast. Any insite would be helpful.

[windyway]

The Spirits Pop Top attaches to the mast differently depending on the year of the boat. I've been inquiring for over a year now for pictures of this area for a 1979 boat with no joy. All I've done with my boat is to attach a ring through the forward part of the pop top and once it's raised it clips into the sliding bar under the gooseneck fitting. My boat is stored for the winter now and is inaccessible for pictures.

[windyway]

Originally Posted by kstat10

I also have questions on how the boom attaches to the mast.

The boom attaches to the mast like most other sailboats. Google "gooseneck fittings" & there are plenty of pictures

[jbcsailor]

Thanks for the reply windyway, I wish there was some more info out there. I think the idea is that the vang and the pop top both connect to the slide on the mast...therefore you can use the vang as a lift for the top. My problem is the hardware on the top is missing and judging the distance is difficult with out stepping the mast. i would just like to see the orginal hardware to get idea on lenght and angle.

[windyway]

The pop top hinges over & can touch the stepped mast if required. All you need is a loop bolted to the front of the top that can be hooked up to the vang support.

[Southron Spirit]

here are some pictures i took today
i am thinking of moving the boom vang block up to that loop and cutting off the tab that is sticking out , if you look infront of my finger you will see the big gouge that is in the top hatch
from that tab every time you lower or raise the mast ..
what is the purpose of that tab it only slides up and down a couple of inches

[tschmidty]

My mast does not have that loop, which I someone added for the boom vang. The pop top connects to that sliding bit when it is raised (I believe). I don't know where the boom vang is "supposed" to attach though.

[jbcsailor]

I have the same set up as pictured, minus the vang bail, which I think someone added to yours. I believe both the pop top and the vang connect to the slide hence the 2 holes. If so, the closed top will keep the vang down and when you release the top, you can use the vang to hold the top up, at least till you can set slide stop.