Good idea, but a word of caution. Most production stanchion bases I
have seen do not have enough meat in them to handle the shock loads
associated with a preventer. The little loops of steel do not have
enough weldment on the socket or base.


On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 14:22:31 -0700, (Thom Stewart)
wrote:

Scout,

You, my friend, Need the topping lift. The way you sail and the boat you
sail you should be considering a "Cruising Vang" set-up and be-damned to
the Std Vang.

If you aren't aware of what I'm talking about, I'll explain;

Sailing on the Delaware River
(especially on that bend at St Mary's Hall)
You need a Vang that is also a "Preventer" It is cheaper and more
effective on your size boat.

Set a block on each Toe-rail directly under the Boom's position when the
Boom is fully let out. If you have a metal toe rail. If not you can use
the hand rail stanchion base.
( Close enough is good enough) Run a lite line from the Boom thru the
block and back to the cockpit. If you don't have a cleat, use the stern
mooring cleats. I hook my lines to the Boom with loops to a cleat on the
Boom at about the Vang location. That's it!!

When on a reach, I can pull the Boom down with the off side sheet winch.
When running free, I use it as a preventer to stop the Accidental Jibe.
I use it also as a Boom brake while Jibing.

Try it. A lot cheaper than a vang and you get a preventer you can set
from the cockpit.

Let Doug have his solid vang

Ole Thom