In such a case the force of the mainsail on the boom would
be partially offset by the mainsheet and vang, reducing and
spreading the load on the boom.....

"DSK" wrote


Think about this, Thom... the force on the end of the boom is going to
be very great when sailing hard... enough to lean the boat over a lot.
If the boom end can take that force, then it should take that same force
in the form of a weight heavy enough to heel the boat over.