J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Solid vangs

I want to replace my topping lift with a solid vang. I'd like to hear from anyone who has already gone through the process. Any thoughts specifically about the various brands available would be appreciated.

My boat came with a Boomkicker solid vang. Essentially, you keep the old vang in place and simply install the Boomkicker. The previous owner used the Boomkicker AND a topping lift. I removed the topping lift since it was unnecessary. It's worked well for me.

Practical Sailor magazine did a review of solid vangs. May 15, 1999. Here's what they said: "Overall, we remain convinced that, ignoring price, Hall Spar's Quick Vang is the best all-around vang." Naturally, there was more said about the collection reviewed. Check it out.

I installed a boomkicker last year. It has been great. And you can't find a simpler design. They are also about as inexpensive as any solid vang running about $200-$250. I ordered mine direct from the manufacturer. They have a special model just for J30s that has the rods pre-cut to just the right length. One less step for you during installation. They provide all the hardware and tools you need (except the basic stuff of course). It takes about 90 minutes to install .

Last year I installed a Spinlock PowerVang on Joust. It is very expensive but might be the one of the best. It uses light gauge spectra internally for 8 or 10 to 1, then I rigged a simple 2/1 outside to double the purchase. It's well built, attractive, clean install and wonderful because you can select a variety of boom heights and lock it at any level. Useful for everything from lashing to the cabin top winches for pre-hurricane tie down, to holding the boom up in our Chesapeake Bay drifting distance races to keep some shape in the main to maintain some forward motion! Highly recommended.

Powervangs are nice, but be careful to remember if you've locked the collar to support the boom. On Mumm 30's (all use Powervangs) there have been countless instances of folks leaving the dock and wailing on the mainsheet until they hear BOOM as the support collar explodes. Drag.

The Boom Kicker is the easiest and lightest hard vang to put on your boat. Yes there is a special model for the J-30, K1250, it retails for $317 plus freight. North Sails New Orleans has them and can get one to right away. Call me at my loft Neil 504 831 1775 or email me: neil.borne@northsails.com