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Boom Vang Interference

PostPosted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 2:16 pm
by TNMN
I have a DS II with tabernacle and very few modifications.
It does have the lightweight boom vang from D&R Marine

Vang 3 to 1.jpg
Vang 3 to 1.jpg (53.5 KiB) Viewed 4290 times


My problem is when you use the eye strap on the forward face of the mast - the line then interferes with the halyards and boom downhaul which are secured by cleats at the same lower mast section.

One option is to lower the eye strap as far down the mast as possible (without reaching the hinge system)

I'm looking for a better solution, one which allow me to upgrade to an improved vang (6:1 or ??) setup in the future.
Possibly a fixed ring which is set into the base of the mainsail slot


Something like this gooseneck ring from Dwyer would work, but I'm reluctant to use anything which relies on a stopper to keep in place.


eye for vang.jpg
eye for vang.jpg (2.96 KiB) Viewed 4290 times


Does anyone have a clean hardware solution for their mast connection of their boom vang.

Re: Boom Vang Interference

PostPosted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 6:20 pm
by tomodda
Do you have a tabernacle or a one piece mast? I have a tabernacle, so what I do is I put a "D-ring bail" (for want of a better term) across the back of my tabernacle, using the tabernacle pin. Then I snap-shackle my vang to the bail. Bottom of vang is right up against the cuddy roof. I'll post a pic if you are interested.

Tom

Re: Boom Vang Interference

PostPosted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 1:10 am
by GreenLake
That sounds similar to what I have; mine's attached on a different piece of hardware unique to my boat, but also low on the back side of the mast. Tabernacle should work fine. For a keel-stepped mast, a bail can be fixed through the mast.

2679
(Click image to enlarge)

As far as the alternative of a stopper in the mast slot is concerned, it should be noted that the usual vang sits at a rather shallow angle (not the 45 degrees shown in the drawing). That means only 1/2 to 1/3 of the total pull, perhaps even less, is directed up. Most of it is directed back.

Re: Boom Vang Interference

PostPosted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:07 am
by TNMN
Thanks Tom and GL

Tom - a pic would be great!
Yes I have a tabernacle, and the hinge is flush with the top deck
It sounds like you use a small bail, centered on the mast and held by the aft hinge pin
Or is the bail slightly wider than the hinge, which I presume would require a longer pin (similar to GL pic)?

GL - yes, the vang geometry will still be good. The horizontal distance aft to the boom connection will still be much longer than the downward distance to the pin

This meets my objective to Keep It Simple (Stupid) and preserve a mostly original DS

TNMN

Re: Boom Vang Interference

PostPosted: Sun Nov 24, 2019 4:27 pm
by tomodda
TNMN:

Here you go, please note that I have a non-standard tabernacle, but this should work for the "normal" tabernacle as well:

IMG_20191122_162300_640x480-01.jpeg
Tabernacle + Bail
IMG_20191122_162300_640x480-01.jpeg (110.22 KiB) Viewed 4231 times


I am too lazy to put the mast up today, so what you are seeing is the bottom part. The pin holding the bail is the same one that engages the top part of the tabernacle. The bail is on the aft side of the mast, and my vang attaches to it with a snapshackle. You can see it a bit better here, although I don't have the vang attached in this old photo:

IMG_20190720_204105_600x800~3.jpg
Base of Mast
IMG_20190720_204105_600x800~3.jpg (49.03 KiB) Viewed 4231 times


Two warnings about this setup... If I'm not careful when I raise the mast, then the bail will get stuck against the deck, with the entire load of the mast on it. You see in my first pic it's flopped over already, about to get stuck. I just make sure to flip it up a bit when I raise the mast. Your setup may be different. Likewise, after a day's sail, the pin is usually pretty jammed in. I use a screwdriver and a small sledgehammer to knock the pin out of the tabernacle. Again, could be different for you, and maybe I should hit it up with some silicon spray. Anyway, just sayin'

I bought the D-shaped bail from my favorite hardware people:

IMG_20191122_162131_800x600~2.jpg
RaceLite bail
IMG_20191122_162131_800x600~2.jpg (75.56 KiB) Viewed 4231 times


Racelite! They are wonderful, a husband and wife couple near Cleveland. Great prices, great equipment, great customer service. Here's my bail:

http://www.racelitehardware.com/rl-334-s-boom

If you do order from them, be aware that they're not really setup for one-off mail-order, it's a flat $7 shipping fee no matter how much (within reason) or little you order. So get yourself some spare small blocks, etc, always handy!

Fair winds,

Tom