does every boat need a boom vang?

[bowman316]

I have a 26 ft sailboat, with a topping lift, but no boom jack/vang rigged up to it.

I think I need a boom vang to keep the boom from lifting up, right?
there may be a pulley rigged up, and i just didn't notice it, I will have to look next time.

But is a boom vang required for all boats?

 

[saildan]

Re: does every boat need a boom vang?

Is a boom vang required for all boats?

They have their practical application.

Google "Boom Vang" and read up on how they'er applied in different sailing situations. That information will also assist you in choosing the proper setup for your boat, should you choose to include one.

 

[bowman316]

Re: does every boat need a boom vang?

i don't see how i can sail without one.
i just installed one on my boat. I mounted 2 pulleys right next to each other on the boom, then ran them down to a pulley at the base of the mast.

Without it, the boom would lift up, and the sail would spill wind. the leach would flap in the wind.
The topping lift would also go slack.

 

[Ned L]

Re: does every boat need a boom vang?

Not really needed, the sheet will certainly keep the boom from lifting excessively. - OK, so one would be pretty much 'needed' if you want to squeeze every bit of speed out of her (as in match racing), but really, not needed for cruising & regular sailing.

 

[moorecomp]

Re: does every boat need a boom vang?

If you have a mainsheet traveler, then you can ease pressure on the main by dumping the traveler to leeward instead of easing the mainsheet. If you do not have a traveler, then a boom vang can be a benefit by keeping the boom down when easing the mainsheet. Downwind, with the main all the way out, we just have someone sit on the boom and act as a human preventer/vang. I noticed you complained the topping lift would go slack when the boom raised. Once you have the mainsail up, you are supposed to disconnect the topping lift from the boom. It is only to hold up the boom when the mainsail isn't.

moorecomp
Mancelona, MI

 

[bowman316]

Re: does every boat need a boom vang?

there is no traveler on the main sheet.
it is just 2 pulleys on either side of the cockpit, rigged up to the boom.

you def. get more lift when on a run, because the main sheet is not pulling the boom straight down, like when close hauled

 

[liz873]

Re: does every boat need a boom vang?

A boom vang can be as simple as a short length of good quality braided dacron or a an elaborate setup costing hundreds. All I use and that is called for on my 20 ' is braided line from the gooseneck on the boom to a cleat at the base of the mast. Most importantly it keeps the boom from sliding up and out the slot on the mast. To keep the boom up when the main is down I use a topping lift to support the boom's end and a short piece of aluminum tubing on a hinge, similiar to the after market boom supports.

 

[saildan]

Re: does every boat need a boom vang?

All I use and that is called for on my 20 ' is braided line from the gooseneck on the boom to a cleat at the base of the mast. Most importantly it keeps the boom from sliding up and out the slot on the mast.

This sounds more like you are describing the downhaul used on a boom with floating gooseneck.

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Boats with a fixed gooseneck use a cunningham cringle (grommet) in the sail.

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Both these methods do the same thing, control luff tension to change sail shape. However, neither is a boom vang.

The Cunningham and Luff tension
(Click on image to play the lesson)





Using the Boom Vang
(Click on image to play video information)

Boom vangs allow vertical adjustment of the boom.
Tensioning the vang tightens the leech of the sail.
Cruising sailors use the vang to keep the boom from rising downwind...​

Short Boom Vang article from BoatUS,
http://www.andrews.com/kysc/bt/boomvang.htm
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