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We'll likely be putting a Boomkicker (Model 800, 300#) or rigid vang on our Albin Ballad. I notice most rigid vangs use a cascading 6:1 or 8:1 purchase, rather than the 3:1 or 4:1 more common on small to mid-size boats. Perhaps that's to overcome the upwards force of the rod spring? Anyway, do you think we should increase the vang advantage with either triple blocks or some kind of cascade? Our boom is only a bit over 9' long (love those IOR mainsails!), but the rise between deck and boom is not great. The vang will likely make a 30 degree angle with the deck, rather than the preferred 45*. (One concern I have is the huge compression load on the gooseneck a high-powered vang might generate.)
Also, because the traveler is boom-end, it's not going to be much use for leech tension below close hauled. We might need the vang to help out with that. I'd rather not lead our vang to the coachroof winch, if we can avoid it. That's a great way to break stuff. OTOH, if the vang is too hard to set, we won't use it like we should.
Also, because the traveler is boom-end, it's not going to be much use for leech tension below close hauled. We might need the vang to help out with that. I'd rather not lead our vang to the coachroof winch, if we can avoid it. That's a great way to break stuff. OTOH, if the vang is too hard to set, we won't use it like we should.