A question about boom vang installation on Cape Dory 28

[calderp]

I will soon be installing a vang on my CD28. I have all the hardware, including bails for the mast and boom. Plan on doing the install per Cape Dory specs here: http://www.jibeho.org/vang.htm My one remaining question is whether I will need to reinforce the spars at the bail attachment point. I will be thru-bolting with 3/8" bolts as per CD specs, or maybe 1/2" since I have a couple of those around.

For those of you with a vang on a CD 28 (or thereabouts - 27, 31 ect) do you have any reinforcement where the bails attach and if not have you seen any cracking or elongation in the bolt holes? I was thinking of cutting little 1.5" square SS plates to beef up the area but the Spartan document doesn't seem to say anything about reinforcement so if its ok to just thru-bolt I could save myself some trouble...

[barfwinkle]

Well this was one of the first things I did aboard Rhapsody. I followed the same instructions and didn't re-enforce the bail attachment points. I have since removed the bails from time to time and have seen no indication of wear or deformity.

Fair Winds

[tjr818]

We put Gerhaeur rigid Vang on our 27 and no reinforcing was required, although the attachment is a plate rather than a bail

[Steve Laume]

I installed a vang on Raven using a bail on the mast and boom. They have been there for a few years now with no extra reinforcement and not sign of problems. A couple of things I did do was to slip some nylon washers between the bails and the spars. This allows the bails to rotate a bit more easily without rubbing against the spar. I also used elastic stop nuts so the bolts don't have to be cranked down tight. This keeps from applying any compression loads on the spar and also helps to allow movement of the bail.

While you are at it you might also add a bail to the end of your boom. I use this one all the time when I want to rig a preventer. I keep a length of line tied to it and run it forward to the goose neck, hanging under the boom. When I want to set up the preventer I clip a small block and tackle to a stanchion base and then to a loop in in this line. Once the boom is where I want it, it is simply a matter of hauling in on the tackle to tighten it in place. Mine has a cam cleat on the block so you do have to go forward to tighten or release it.

The end boom bail is also handy for controlling the boom when on the mooring with a pair of pendents run to the stern rail on each side . It can be used for lifting things or holding off the dinghy as well.

Those spars are pretty thick, Steve.

[jbenagh]

Steve, where did you install the cleat for the vang? I installed one thus year and have used the block cleat but it's
abit if a pain to go forward to free it.

[Steve Laume]

Mine is on the block also. I am not a real active user of the vang so it is not like I am playing the thing all the time. I don't have a problem with going forward as none of my lines lead aft from the mast.

I bought a used main sheet tackle for my vang. It has the cam cleat right on the block and that keeps things very simple.

I used to more it to the stanchion base to act as a vang / preventer in light air but with the other little block and tackle it is now very easy to rig it from the boom end where it belongs.

You just can't have too many strings to play with, Steve.

[nessie]

Thanks so much for posting this!

http://www.jibeho.org/vang.htm

I don't have a boom vang yet, but don't think that you would need to reinforce the spars if you use the suggested through bolts.
Ted

[calderp]

Great, this is what I was hoping to hear! Saves me a bit of work. I was planning on using a nylock nut so I didn't have to tighten the bails down but the nylon washers are a nice touch I will definitely add - thanks steve. I already have a bail on the end of my boom which is the attachment point for two blocks used for the mainsheet tackle. I had assumed this was factory installed but who knows. May also have been a change down the line, mine is an early boat, I believe 1975. Either way I agree that it is a very useful thing to have. As always I appreciate the responses!
-Paul

http://www.sailfeed.com/paul-calder