posted May 05, 2002 08:07 AM            

Congratulations on the new purchase. I don't have a picture, but maybe a description would help.

My vang is a 3:1 block and tackle with a jamb cleat to hold the tension on the lower block. It attaches with a D shackle to a bail riveted to the base of the mast. It extends up from the base of the mast to the boom at a 45 degree angle (where it attaches about three feet back).

The attachment at the boom end is a special key that can be removed by sliding the upper block fitting aft. Forward tension on the vang keeps this key from sliding out.

You could piece a vang together out of parts(Westmarine even sells entire vang assemblies) but because of the boom key I'd recommend buying it straight from CL. The original key has a very low profile which means the fitting won't chafe the sail when you remove the vang and roller reef the main. Finding a low-profile key might be harder to find elsewhere. CL is great to order parts from. CL's online parts list also mentions a 2:1 vang assembly.

This is the best I could. This Picture should give you a pretty good idea of what a Boom Vang Looks like. Keep in mind that Westmarine caters to the really big boats so don't let the price scare you.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=201&prrfnbr=485&store_num=2&store_name=Sailboat%20Hardware&subdept_num=68&subdept_name=Traveler,%20Tracks%2 0%26%20Vangs&class_num=71&class_name=Boom%20Vangs&outlet=

To answer your question in a single word "ABSOLUTELY" I have found that one of the many similarities between the dinghys and the big boats is the size of the toys. The basic toys are all the same but just come in different sizes. (That's why I alluded to the price difference.)A Boom-vang is a Boom-Vang.

Fairs Winds