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(@rkooy)
Member Admin
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 839
Topic starter
01/06/2021 1:27 pm
I have fitted a wind turbine on the stern of Morning Gold and this works well and keeps the batteries well charged.
A down side is that the blades are not improved if the topping lift gets tangled in the blades during a storm.
For some time I have been considering replacing the existing boom vang with a solid one.
Does any one have any experience with these solid vangs and is there a preferred type? Are there any traps that one should consider when selecting the size? Cheers John
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(@rkooy)
Member Admin
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 839
Topic starter
01/06/2021 1:27 pm
Dec 14th, 2013 at 11:49pm |
I have a Selden Rodkicker -- the smallest version I think (the 10?) I think it is excellent, although I do usually leave the topping lift attached to the boom end when the boat is on the mooring. I don't think I need to, but it is rigged and waiting so why not.
Mine has a gas spring in it, and they do wear out. I had to replace mine in the first year I owned the boat (about $180 I think) and it is still going after 5 years. Really shine in light air when you can use the vang to lift the boom up a bit for sail shape purposes.
Best,
MD
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(@rkooy)
Member Admin
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 839
Topic starter
01/06/2021 1:27 pm
Reply #2 - Dec 18th, 2013 at 12:20pm |
Dear John,
We also have a Rodkicker, the riggers told me it was the best on the market and the only one they recommended. It has worked very well (make sure you get the lengths and position correct so it has enough travel). The only issue has been that the s/s wire in it broke recently, you need to take it apart to replace this internally so I have replaced it with an external Vectran line. We don't have a boom topping lift, but do support it with the main halyard when the boat is in the pen. The solid vang is great for light weather and also if reefing. You need plenty of purchase to get the best out of it, I think ours is about 20:1. Most S&S 34 skippers don't use the vang as much as they should in my opinion. With a short traveller it should be used a lot to trim the main when not hard on the breeze.
Regards, Simon
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