Pearson Yachts Forum

Pearson Boats - Common Systems => Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning => Topic started by: The Great Godsea on October 06, 2014, 12:27:07 PM

Title: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: The Great Godsea on October 06, 2014, 12:27:07 PM

we were sailing in heavy wind and rain on saturday... all was going well, when we noticed that one of the 2 screws attaching the boom vang to the mast had ripped out. boom was about a foot higher than usual and we began to worry about too much strain on the traveler so we shut it all down.

so, the boom vang attaches to to a bracket, and the bracket has just 2 screws holding it to the mast. is that really the way it should be?
obviously it takes a LOT of strain.
seems like it needs a stronger foundational point than just 2 screws.

wondering if i should come up with a better way to attach it, now that its broken.

seeking ideas. thanks

Title: Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: rbrtfeld on October 06, 2014, 03:52:38 PM

I would think you need at least 6 screws. You might need to think about reefing the main in heavy Weather. Sounds like you had a lot of wind. Somewhere on the site is a picture of a rigid Boom Vang from Garhauer. I think they use 6 or 8 screws for the mounting plate on the mast.

Title: Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: rbrtfeld on October 06, 2014, 04:03:32 PM

Here is the link to Garhauer. They make nice stuff.  Good luck
garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=40

Title: Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: selene on October 06, 2014, 10:07:46 PM

Garhauer uses 6 screws; two is woefully insufficient.

The position of the screws is also worth considering; I wold suggest that the force should be taken on the shank of the screws, not the threads.  The Aluminum of the boom is not that thick, and they take a lot of force!

Just my 2 cents...sorry for your problem.

Title: Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: Dolce_Vita on October 07, 2014, 08:04:46 AM

Photos?

Title: Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: The Great Godsea on October 07, 2014, 11:19:44 AM

Thanks guys for the information. i'm going to take your advice and set it in a much stronger fashion. i'll look into the Garhauer.

Title: Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: Rusty Pelican on October 07, 2014, 06:16:46 PM

I have a through rod attached bail on both mast and boom, no problem what so ever.
BobG

Title: Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
Post by: Libations Too on October 15, 2014, 09:35:10 PM

I used to have the bail at mast and boom...but the bail at the mast failed a few years back. I replaced it with a Garhauer fitting...six screws and all has worked quite well since. I still use a block and tackle vang...though the rigid vang option would eliminate the need for a topping lift, which I would like.