There has been much discussion on my boat as to whether the vang should be on or be released when you pull the main sail out or furl it in.
Can anyone give me the right answer? I've searched the forums but haven't found any comments on the vang. Any help is appreciated.
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Nancy
Cat's Meow #2046
San Francisco
2002 MK II
According to the Charleston Spar Furling Mast Manual recently added to the library, the boom should be slightly elevated above level.
I release the main sheet, release the boom vang, raise my boom above level with the topping lift, and my main is able to be furled/unfurled easily by hand.
Marc Nachman
Whispering Eye
2004 Catalina 36 MkII #2201
Std RF Main, Wk, M35b
s/v Whispering Eye
2004 Catalina 36 Mk II #2201
SRFM/WK/M35b
St. Petersburg, FL
Nancy,
I do the same thing as Marc, but without the topping lift. No sheet, no vang. Just let the spring inside the vang adjust the boom the proper height/angle. If it was installed correctly, it should be 10-20 degrees above horizontal. Another thing to remember is to keep tension on the outhaul when you furl, to get a nice tight wrap inside the mast. The only time I had problems with my main is when I forgot that important advice.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a try today and see how it goes.
Nancy
Cat's Meow #2046
San Francisco
2002 MK II