Boom Vang construction?

[BalmainBug]

Hi Guys,

I would like to make a vang for my 26M boom and am looking for advice on hardware. Can anyone recommend a setup; the sort of blocks I should be using and the type of line? Failing that, it might be easier to buy a complete unit. Any recommendations there?

TIA

Steve

[trip01]

I bought larger blocks to take 12mm braid & made up a new main sheet. Used the old blocks for a boom vang. The old blocks took the 12mm braid also. Left extra length on the boom vang so can operate from the cockpit.

Kind Rgds
Dave
26m 2008

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

For my customers, I convert the Mac Mainsheet Blocks to a Vang (which is the Mac Vang), use a longer line than they do (21') so it can also be used as a Preventer, and add a Snap-Shackle to simplify attachment. On the 26M I use an eye-bolt at the mast base to attach it to.
For the new Mainsheet I use a Garhauer 25-01 US and 25-08 US. You can also use a Harken 053 and 058.

[trip01]

Steve,

Here is a photo to show size comparison.

The left side (photo) is the new wider block to take 12mm. This is the main sheet. The yellow braid is 12mm or half inch for yours. I think the Mac blocks (on the right side - now the boom vang) were designed for 10mm braid.

Kind Rgds
Dave
26M

[parrothead]

I agree. If you don't have a boom vang, convert the standard mainsheet blocks to that purpose. Then take the next step and upgrade your mainsheet hardware so you can have a 5:1 mainsheet rig. My dealer had done essentially what Bill does, and provided upgraded mainsheet blocks [see my mod description at http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1091], but if you are starting from scratch, get a fiddle block with a becket for attachment to your boom, instead of having to add a shackle as I did.

Then add a composite block to the lower fiddle block via the becket where the mainsheet would normally be attached [turned at 90 degrees to the fiddle block].

The result will be a 20% reduction in the effort required to sheet in your mainsail.

Complete your upgrade by attaching the mainsheet block to the traveller with a stainless snap shackle, and use Harken 150 aluminum pawl ball bearing cam cleats wherever they don't currently exist.

[Highlander]

Here's my main sheet & preventer


Mainsheet
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 010085.jpg

Preventer
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 010086.jpg

here they are together for a comparision
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 010087.jpg

I bought these from Garhauer Marine on sale @ the boat shows it was actually cheaper than buying all the componants serperately

J

[Kelly Hanson East]

...and when you are making up that new 5:1 mainsheet, it takes a lot less time to rig it if you thread the blocks with the 'secured end (that ends up on the fiddle) , instead of the working end (which ends up in your hand. I feel so smug and superior basking in the glowing embers of my intelligence, I can forget it took me 3 years to figure that out myself...

[restless]

I put snap shackles on my mast raising blocks and when the mast is up use that as a vang. Enough line to run that back to the cockpit too! I'll join KHE with the smugness.. especially once I get round to finding something to cleat it to!
Sadly, with your M I think you have a winch on a stick so don't benefit from the free block set of the handsome X

[bubba]

We bought our boom vang from BWY's and it works great when you go on deck to adjust it. Usually we set it tight for breezes over 10 kts. before leaving the dock.

[c130king]

My boom vang is NOT led back to the cockpit...don't know why the original owner didn't lead it back when everything else was. I could do it but I haven't yet. If I lay the end of the line out it reaches about halfway over the sliding companionway hatch when closed. I just have to lean forward and pull to tighten or it yank it down to pop it out of its cam cleat to slack.

But like Bubba stated I almost always set it and forget it. Slack to raise the sail (or you can't get the sail all the way up), then tighten and leave it.

Just another perspective.

Cheers,
Jim