The Vang

Wiktionary.org offers this defintion of the word vang.

Although the etymology is all very interesting. The latter is the one we are the most interested in. Below is a good video describing the benefits of the boom vang and when to use it.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C31nGzO54O4&w=560&h=315]

The Boom Vang, in its simplest form, is a block and tackle arranged in such a fashion that it applies downward force (also upward force, see rigid vang) to the boom. This will allow the sailor to control the tension of the leech at all points of sail, regardless of the boom’s sheet tension.

RIGID VANGS – Most modern day cruisers and racers alike will use a version of this called a rigid vang. A rigid vang, a.k.a. hard vang, or boom kicker, gets its name because it not only is able to haul the boom down but also pushes it up. This is very handy for a few reasons. The ‘main’ reason (pun intended) is it allows the user a quick way to de-power the booms sail if needed and also helps to support the boom much like a boom topping lift. The last part makes reefing, dousing and storing of the boom all a bit easier.

There is still a good range of rigid vang options on the market. Current manufacturers include Boomkicker, Barton Boomstrut, Bamar, US Spars/Z Spars, Selden Rodkicker, Harken Vang Master, Forespar Yacht Rod, and Sparcraft. The Hall Spars QuikVang was one of the best known spring return vangs for decades. It is no longer in production, although replacement parts are still available for many existing units.

On the hydraulic side there are fewer manufacturers, but the major names are still active. TRC currently sells and services Navtec Hydraulics, Sailtec, Selden, and Harken. Navtec Hydraulics continues to manufacture and support hydraulic vang cylinders, including legacy systems.

Let us just focus on the ones that we know best and sell the most of here at The Rigging Company!

Forespar Yacht Rod is a tried and true system and one of our most popular mechanical vangs. It uses a dependable coil spring return and is available in Medium, Large and Extra Large sizes. Current TRC pricing and manufacturer MSRP are shown below and update automatically with the store.

Harken Vang Master is another current rigid vang we sell and service. It uses pneumatic support and is offered in a broad range of sizes for cruising and racing boats. Mast fittings, boom fittings and control systems are also available through TRC Online.

Selden Rodkicker remains a current and very common rigid vang. Selden offers several sizes with different gas spring options, and the Rodkicker is still found on a huge range of cruising and racing boats. We do not currently have the mechanical Rodkicker listed in TRC Online, so rather than hard code a price here, contact us for current pricing and sizing.

Hydraulic Vangs are the heavy duty end of the spectrum. They use a hydraulic cylinder, hoses, reservoir and control panel, and they need to be sized and installed as a complete system. TRC Online currently carries Harken, Sailtec, Selden and Navtec hydraulic vang cylinders. The live product cards below pull current pricing directly from the store and display MSRP wherever it is loaded in the catalog.

~Some Final Thoughts~

All rigid vangs especially when properly installed and maintained will last a very (very) long time. Keep in mind, typically anything using fluid (and or gas) and seals will require service/ repair over time. One thing that all vangs require, regardless of whether choosing a simple block and tackle, mechanical, or hydraulic system, is for them to be installed properly; ensuring a properly mounted mast bracket and boom lug, rigging the vang in the correct orientation (not upside down), all the while achieving the appropriate boom to vang angle (approximately 30-45 degrees). This will ensure functionality, longevity and ease of use.

Have a question about which system might be right for you? Need your hydraulic vang serviced? Talk to our experienced sales staff for more information.

Thanks for the read. See you next time.

~TRC