Rigging Question

[tomperanteau]

All,

I have a question on some rigging that came with a sailboat I recently bought. The wife and I invested in a Columbia 26' MkII to learn to sail, and learn we have!

The following rigging was onboard when we bought her, but was not installed anywhere, and we have no idea what it is. Any thoughts??


Capt’n Tom’s Log » Blog Archive » Strange Rigging – What is it??

[Unicorn Dreams]

Looks like it probably a boom vang. Should find a fitting at the base of the mast and under the boom if it is.

[Blue Stocking]

Its a boom vang. The fitting with the single block attaches to the boom, and the fitting at the double attaches to the mast. It can be used to support the boom when raising and lowering the sail , as the topping lift would. It also stops the boom from rising when you free the mainsheet off, when going downwind. You should have an experienced sailor look to see if it is suitable and safe for your boat IMHO.

[Cheechako]

Yep, a hard vang, unforgiving and possibly dangerous in the wrong hands!

[tomperanteau]

Thanks to all. I'll hang on to it, but won't do anything with it until I research more about how it would work with my boat.

[SkiprJohn]

Do you currently have a boom vang on your boat? If not then a hard vang is one option. Using a vang can flatten your sail and help you sail in heavy weather and keep the boom from lifting while running. A hard vang can be used as a topping lift to lift the boom when reefing, etc.
regards,