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.
|
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.
|
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