chemprof
Member
Ok, I'm in the process of installing my Boomkicker and I found that the previous owner had set the vang eye on the mast much higher than the Capri specification of 6" above bottom of the mast.
This got me to looking at how the vang eye is attached to the mast; on my 2001 Capri Mod 3 is it an eye welded to a stainless steel cylinder (approx. 3/8" diameter) that has two holes drilled (but not tapped) that accept 1" 10x24 screws which actually screw into the forward section of the mast which was drilled and tapped for these. (See the picture attached.)
Thus, the vang eye can only be placed at this position, which is clearly too high according to the Capri specs and also according to all I've read about the boom vang angle which should be around 40-45° to the boom & mast.
Now, it would be simple to just position it correctly, drill two new holes in the mast. However, as I learned looking into other ways boom vangs are attached on different boat, I find that most folks think that is is important that the vang eye attachment not be rigid, but rather able to articulate a little as the boom is moved port and starboard. Also, they seem to say that it is better to have forces perpendicular to the screw axis rather than along its axis. As you can tell, my vang eye setup violates both ideas -- the eye can't articulate at all and the boom vang will tend to pull the screws directly out rather than pull across the screw axis.
Some rather simple solutions I find: use a boom vang bail, which is a U-shaped strap that puts the screws perpendicular to the vang force; the vang then attaches via a shackle to the U-strap, and the shackle can slide easily along the U.
This seems to be the solution also for replacing the vang eye attached to the boom; that is, the other end of the boom vang.
Here's a link to such a solution on a Flying Scot:
http://www.sailingtexas.com/chowtoboomvangscot.html
I'll upload two of their pictures and a picture of my vang eye.
My question: do you guys also have a similar vang eye and attachment? Also, has anyone had problems with their boom vang.
I am aware of this thread here: (just wanted to get newer responses)
http://www.capri14.org/forum/stripped-screws-vang-t290.html
And lastly, has anyone used any of the traditional vangs by Harken? Some folks at other forums for other boats really like the Harken H447 15:1 Dingy Vang (what's not to like at almost $200!). Link below: (and a pict of the H447)
<http://www.apsltd.com/c-1114-traditionalvangs.aspx>
Anyway, I'm interested in your thoughts, troubles, fixes, and things you've thought to do.
This got me to looking at how the vang eye is attached to the mast; on my 2001 Capri Mod 3 is it an eye welded to a stainless steel cylinder (approx. 3/8" diameter) that has two holes drilled (but not tapped) that accept 1" 10x24 screws which actually screw into the forward section of the mast which was drilled and tapped for these. (See the picture attached.)
Thus, the vang eye can only be placed at this position, which is clearly too high according to the Capri specs and also according to all I've read about the boom vang angle which should be around 40-45° to the boom & mast.
Now, it would be simple to just position it correctly, drill two new holes in the mast. However, as I learned looking into other ways boom vangs are attached on different boat, I find that most folks think that is is important that the vang eye attachment not be rigid, but rather able to articulate a little as the boom is moved port and starboard. Also, they seem to say that it is better to have forces perpendicular to the screw axis rather than along its axis. As you can tell, my vang eye setup violates both ideas -- the eye can't articulate at all and the boom vang will tend to pull the screws directly out rather than pull across the screw axis.
Some rather simple solutions I find: use a boom vang bail, which is a U-shaped strap that puts the screws perpendicular to the vang force; the vang then attaches via a shackle to the U-strap, and the shackle can slide easily along the U.
This seems to be the solution also for replacing the vang eye attached to the boom; that is, the other end of the boom vang.
Here's a link to such a solution on a Flying Scot:
http://www.sailingtexas.com/chowtoboomvangscot.html
I'll upload two of their pictures and a picture of my vang eye.
My question: do you guys also have a similar vang eye and attachment? Also, has anyone had problems with their boom vang.
I am aware of this thread here: (just wanted to get newer responses)
http://www.capri14.org/forum/stripped-screws-vang-t290.html
And lastly, has anyone used any of the traditional vangs by Harken? Some folks at other forums for other boats really like the Harken H447 15:1 Dingy Vang (what's not to like at almost $200!). Link below: (and a pict of the H447)
<http://www.apsltd.com/c-1114-traditionalvangs.aspx>
Anyway, I'm interested in your thoughts, troubles, fixes, and things you've thought to do.