boom vang setup

[DaveC426913]

I just looked in the manual, and saw that the boom vang has its control sheet coming out of the top block - i.e. from the boom.

I've got it set it up coming from the bottom block i.e. from the mast.

Does it matter?

I guess that's why it's so hard to harden my vang...

[Tomfoolery]

Coming from the top block means it doesn't lay on the deck all the time. Easier to keep clean. Slackened, the bitter end of mine is short enough that it doesn't even show with the sail cover on. Not that that is a major concern.

[Don T]

Hello,
My vang has the block adjust at the mast. I leave a loop and store the rest in an organizer on the mast. I can reach the loop across the hatch so I can adjust the vang in a couple of seconds. All is covered by the boot.

[Catigale]

It's a lot easier to adjust from the top block, but whatever Steve K says is the right answer.....

[DaveC426913]

Doesn't show???

My vang line (sheet?) is longer than my main sheet. Both have gotta be 50 feet if they're an inch!

[mastreb]

I run a 1' line from the traveller car to the bottom of the mainsheet to get its block up off the deck and open up the companionway. Now my mainsheet is at least 12' longer than necessary at max extension.

[Tomfoolery]

Doesn't show???

My vang line (sheet?) is longer than my main sheet. Both have gotta be 50 feet if they're an inch!

Why? My vang only has to be long enough to not bind when I pull the boom up higher than the bimini, for head clearance at the dock (not for sailing). With a 4:1 reeving system, and the relatively small triangle it forms, it only takes a few feet of line between min and max extension, so mine is short enough that it's almost snug with the boom at it's highest angle, which is also where I store it when not sailing. The stopper knot sits loosely against the cams.

I don't use it as a preventer, so maybe that's where a lot of extra line would be needed. I use a single piece of line with a Blake's Hitch* on the turnback for the rare occasion I need a preventer.

*I used to work as a tree climber decades ago, and this was the slip/grip knot I used on my overhead climbing line, but even after all these years I can still tie it with one hand, without looking.

[FPLynah]

Another idea......I have a double block w/ becket on the boom and a double on the mast base. The line runs from the becket to first roller on mast, up through first roller on boom block, back down to mast, and up throught boom block and out to a cleat munted on the bottom of the boom. With this setup I can work from the cockpit and it has enough juice to counter (bend) the boom kicker.

Pete