The vang allows vertical adjustment of the boom, and is an extremely important tool to shape the main for speed. Tension the vang to tighten the leech, flatten the sail and bend the mast. Cruisers use the vang to keep the boom from rising when sailing downwind and abraiding the main.

Typical boat length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4 m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8 m)

4:1 V-jam This simple 4:1 self-cleating vang is used on small dinghies. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Double 226  —  — B Fiddle 245  —  —

4:1 Fiddle The basic 4:1 fiddle block vang is commonly used on dinghies and small keelboats. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Fiddle 2655 2621 1559 B Fiddle 2658 2624 1564

8:1 Cascaded Fiddle A doubling block increases the purchase of the vang to 8:1. The load on the fiddle blocks is halved so they can be used safely on larger boats. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Single 300 304 308 B Fiddle 2655 2621 1559 C Fiddle 2658 2624 1564

4:1 Cascaded Kicker This rigid rod vang utilizes a simple 4:1 tackle. The rod also serves as a topping lift for the boom. Used on cruising and racing boats. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Fiddle 2655 2621 1559 B Fiddle 2658 2624 1564

6:1 Double-ended Cascaded Kicker Many racers rig the vang with a double-ended control line led down each side of the boat. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Triple 344 2640 2604 B Double 342 2638 2602 C Single 349 2652 2600 D Cam cleat 241 240 240

If you would like to link to or reprint this article please contact advertising@harken.com