Garhauer Rigid Boom Vang

[Greg]

Thare is another posting about the Garhauer that mentions the Garhauer Vang Thread. I tried to go to the thread but nothing comes up. I just ordered one and am wondering if there are any installation tips? Thanks

[Jack O'Brien]

Instructions did not come with my vang so I requested via email. Garhauer sent the following:

QUOTE
1) Attach mast bracket to mast at the lowest position.

2) Attach boom vang to mast bracket.

3) Raise mainsail.

4) Use mainsheet system to tighten leech to bring boom to lowest position.

5) Compress vang and tie off.

6) With vang compressed, raise vang to boom, mark the two
center holes on boom bracket.

7) Drill and tap.

Test boom vang. If vang doesn't't raise boom high enough move
bracket forward one hole. If too high move bracket back one hole.


In the above, evidently the "brackets" are the tracks that bolt to the mast and boom. I'm not sure whether mounting the mast track as low as it will go is OK or not - maybe it hits the cabin top when you lower the mast? I have a fuzzy recollection if the vang bracket that fits on the mast track is too low it interferes with something - maybe opening the hatch cover.

My motorboating "ex-buddy" installed my vang in a hurry and drilled holes for the tracks too soon so I have extra holes in my boom. Clamp or fix the tracks in place and see how everything fits before drilling too many holes. Check removing and replacing the vang also as this can be tricky when rigging or derigging. I need to loosen the line all the way and lower my boom to get the aft bracket on or off the boom track. Don't know if this is normal or the boom track is mounted wrong.

Be careful - vang has a STRONG spring.

Drill and tap for fine, not course, thread bolts to mount the tracks.

I had to reverse the brackets or blocks to make mine work. Seems I couldn't release the line or something the way it came configured. Again, fuzzy recollection - I need to seriously study it someday.

[Clipster]

I was about to post the same when I came across this one.

Just received my 12:1, along w/ simple instructions like mentioned. I remember from old board that some members had difficulties determining optimum placement of the tracks - do any owners of the Garhauer have measurements that work best? Also, is it possible to have the best placement for adjustment plus positioning so that it doesn't fall off the track when lowering the mast (as when going under a bridge)?

[Frank C]

Instructions did not come with my vang so I requested via email. Garhauer sent the following:

1) Attach mast bracket to mast at the lowest position.
2) Attach boom vang to mast bracket.

. . . In the above, evidently the "brackets" are the tracks that bolt to the mast and boom. I'm not sure whether mounting the mast track as low as it will go is OK or not - maybe it hits the cabin top when you lower the mast? I have a fuzzy recollection if the vang bracket that fits on the mast track is too low it interferes with something - maybe opening the hatch cover.

Re interference: The mast can be installed with either a bracket or a track (depends what you requested or what they chose to ship). The bracket creates a fixed position for the lower vang attachment, which is fine since I always set my vang in the lowest track position. Whether you received a bracket or a track, eyeball the mast & choose the lowest placement to avoid interference with the fairlead (26X centerboard line guide) as the mast drops onto its crutch.

Re positioning: Not close enough to my boat for measuring. However, I'd estimate the placement of boom track (aft on the boom from the gooseneck) as centered at ~ double the distance from lower (mast) bracket to gooseneck.

Conventional vang placement creates an equilateral triangle w/ mast & boom. On my 26X, it is closer to a triangle @ 30/60/90 (angles at boom/mast/gooseneck). I don't understand the comment about the vang dropping off the track when lowering for a bridge. The vang is attached with a stopper pin just like your Genny turning blocks. The vang will extend its length within limits, but it won't be released from its track.

[Greg]

I just received the Garhaur and no diagram or instructions are included. Would anyone have a picture of one installed available for e-mail or to post? Questions: What is the proper height of the bracket on the mast, the angle the boom when the vang is uncompressed (I need adequate clearance for the dodger) so that it will compress correctly for sail shape. Thanks for any help!

[Frank C]

Well, sort of .... I just found a picture sent to me by somebody who received the fixed mast mount with their Garhauer RV. See some notes on the Mods page under Garhauer Rigid Vang, and my earlier posting on this page. If you mount the mast bracket any lower than this, it might interfere with the stainless guide ring (for CB line) as the mast is lowered. Mounting higher is not good - impairs leverage for controlling the boom.