Boom Vang Systems

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.

vang1.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Double 226
   
B Fiddle 245    

 

15:1 Cascaded Vang

The 15:1 Dinghy vang uses a 3:1 cascade inside a 5:1 purchase to create a powerful system. Suited for dinghies and light daysailers with mains to 125 ft2 (11.6m2).

vang2.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Dinghy vang 447    
B Lower unit 455    
C Single 405    
D Double 407    

 

4:1 Fiddle

The basic 4:1 fiddle block vang is commonly used on dinghies and small keelboats.

vang3.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Fiddle 2655 2621
B Fiddle 2658 2624

 

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.

vang4.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Single 098
183
300 304
308
B Fiddle 2655 2621 2621
1559
C Fiddle 2658 2624 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.

vang5.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Fiddle 2655 2655
2621
2621
1559
B Fiddle 2658 2658
2624
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.

vang6.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Triple 344
2640
2640
2604
2604
B Double 342
2638
2638
2602
2602
C Single 349
2652
2652
2600
2600
D Cam cleat 241 241
240
240

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