Solid vang

[kmorton16@home.com]

I would like a copy of the instruction sheet on the solid vang for a Catalina MKII.  I have a question on the way the vang lines are attached.
Ken Morton  Trident - 1300

[Stu Jackson]

Ken

Easiest way to get a direct answer would be to call Garhauer directly.  Other answers about rigging the solid vang have appeared in this Message Board, but are more related to boom bails and mainsheet reaving to allow the vang and mainsheet to set right, ususally for older MK I boats who have replaced the old vangs with the new solid ones.

[Joe Kern]

I have a "solid" boom vang which supports the boom.  The posts I have seen on this subject indicate that most solid vangs have some sort of adjusting system (lines and blocks) which makes sense.  Mine seems to be a two-piece system (1 tube inside the other) with a pin and clevis through the middle.  Am I missing something or is this just a basic, non-adjustable boom vang?  I have been to the Garhauer webite and don't see anything that looks like what I have.  Any suggestions?  2005 boat.

[Ron Hill]

Ken : I've told Bill Felgenhauer that his boom Vang instructions (installation and use) leave "Much to be desired"!!
 
What I did is to run the Vang control line to a double block at the base of the mast(the other block contains the main sheet line).  I went to a triple turning block(don't think you have that on a MKII) thru a triple line guide on the traveler to a cam cleat next to the main sheet rope stopper/sheet.  If you look back in the Mainsheet Tech Notes about 1998/99 you'll see a picture of my set up.   

[Stu Jackson]

Joe,

Re: your "solid" vang on your 2005 Mark II.  Am I correct in assuming that you have a furling main?  And in mast?  If so, I recently learned that you don't want an adjustable boom vang (soft or solid), and that the vang holds up the boom for the furling.  With the loose footed mainsail, you don't pull down on the boom to flatten the sail, my understanding is that you use the outhaul.  Others with Mark IIs with roller furling mains will give you more detailed instructions, but when I saw this on a friend's new boat, it took me a while to understand the lack of an adjustable vang.

[Joe Kern]

Yes.  In mast furling and loose-footed main.  Read your e-mail and now it makes sense.  With the in and out furling lines you really have an outhaul you can adjust regardless of how much main is out.  I can't say I have seen a lot of information on tuning a loose-footed in-mast furling main or proper reefing points.  Just one of the many things on my list to learn about the new boat.