Boomkicker and no vang advice needed

[Adrianjohnm]

I purchased a boom kicker at a good deal for my 73 Pearson 30, but I have no boom vang.

Do I really need a boom vang with a boom kicker?

I got the boom kicker to get rid of the topping lift as I am small and short and could barely lift the boom to connect the topping lift.

So....any answers?? Thanks

[Faster]

YES you still need a boom vang. The kicker supports the boom, the vang limits boom lift and helps provide leech tension when the sheet is eased.

The kicker is a good thing too, as it supports the dead weight of the boom in light air, but it in no way replaces the vang function although many rigid vangs also provide the support the kicker does.

[Adrianjohnm]

Thank you for the answer.

I figured I would need one but I wanted to double check.

I guess it would be best to have one anyways on the boat.

Thanks so much.

[BCboy]

I also don't have a boom vang and wish I did. I have considered simply adding one but worry about whether the boom is strong enough at the logical attachment location. Any thoughts?