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Post by jlasail on Jul 28, 2014 19:22:35 GMT
My SO 409 did not come with a rigid boom vang, it is no longer standard on the 2014 model while it was standard until 2013. Can anyone tell me if it is worse installing one? Has anyone tested with and without? Thank you for any advice.
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Post by rene460 on Jul 29, 2014 10:58:34 GMT
Hi jlasail,
The advantage of a rigid vang is that it can be used lift/support the boom as well as hold it down. Thus it supports the boom when raising or lowering sail or reefing, and provides little lift for the boom in light winds when the weight may flatten the sail too much. All of this can be done with the topping lift, though possibly a bit less convenient to adjust. We fitted the rigid vang as part of the original fit out, though it was not standard, and have no regrets.
On our SO30i the lift is provided by a spring, and fitting the rigid vang gave us 8:1 advantage instead of 4:1, which makes it easier to make a small adjustment for sail shape, but that could have been done without also fitting the rigid boom. For your heavier boom and sail, I don't know if you would still use the spring system or if you go to a hydraulic system, but the principle is the same. I would expect to need a 4:1 or 8:1 tackle to adjust the topping lift if I was using it for small adjustments.
rene460
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Post by J349er on Jul 30, 2014 0:17:49 GMT
I don't think the cost of installing a rigid boom vang is going to improve trimming much, especially in regard to the mediocre shape and performance of furling mains. I'd rather spend money on a classic main with full battens but there is much to say about in-mast furlers. On boats over 40' and when single handling or with a limited crew, it's a no brainer.
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Post by jlasail on Jul 31, 2014 17:49:43 GMT
Thank you both for inputs. I will let pass the season and decide early next year.
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Post by electricmonk on Aug 27, 2014 16:14:09 GMT
I would fit one, it makes sail (boom) handling so much easier, even with in mast furling, I fitted one to my SO37 with in-mast - a spring type from Z Spars - make sure you fit it the right way up - I see many that are upside down and spring rots away. My SO43 with a classic main had one from new, also a spring type, wouldn't be without it.
The only downside I can see is that with a classic main I am unable to scandalise the main in a seaway, but I can count on the fingers on my elbow how many times I have had to do that in 55 years sailing!
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