posted June 20, 2002 02:41 PM            

Jeepers...I thought that I had installed EVERY imaginable convenience on ShortWave but I stopped short of changing the traveller. I rebedded the track bolts and replaced the traveller car as the four wheels had flat spots but really I don't think that you need it on a Sandpiper. The loads are small enough and yes, the extra lines WILL get stuck in the lazarette cover which IMHO is a big enough hassle to close when under way.

A Boom Vang, also called a kicking-strap, is a must. The boom-vang is simply a line of 3:1 purchase that connects at the bottom forward edge of the boom and near the bottom of the mast. The bitter end of the line is what you pull on to make your adjustments and the resulting tension is held by use of a jam cleat. When used properly, the boom vang will allow you to tighten the aft edge on the mainsail effectively depowering the sail in heavier air thus allowing easier control on the helm. (A definite advantage when sailing upwind) When the vang is tightened you will immediately notice that the boom will be parallel to the water. Without it the boom will be lifted up by the sail and you get over-powered.
The vang is tightened when sailing upwind to flatten the sail enabling smooth airflow around the sail. Conversely the vang is loosened when sailing downwind. A loose vang will allow the sail to get more of a baggy appearance and is essential fo effective downwind sailing. There are many different controls for the shape of the mainsail and the boom vang is of great importance. Below is a link to give you an idea of what it looks like. I would suggest you get one from CL.
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

I hope this helps you.

Robert
Celtic Kiss #2120

[This message has been edited by Celtic Kiss (edited June 23, 2002).]