So.... still thinking about cutting the mast. I may actually do it this summer since it looks like we're going to do some traveling with the boat.
Anyway, I've been thinking about a way to attach the vang while maintaining a good angle to the boom. My idea is to use a boom bail
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/ri ... /index.htm
wide enough to span the width of the tabernacle. The rear tabernacle pin would go through one bail end-hole, through the tabernacle, then through the other bail end-hole. The pin appears to have enough play for a comfortable fit. The curve of the bail would allow for smooth pivot action on the vang.
The thing I'm concerned about is the strength of the pin. But since it's also stainless, about 1/4" diameter, and supported by the tabernacle I think it would withstand quite a bit of force.
Any material engineers out there?
I created a little diagram: