Author Topic: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend  (Read 8811 times)

The Great Godsea

  • P323
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 113
  • Karma: 2
    • View Profile
  • Model: P323
  • Vessel Name: The Great Godsey
  • City: New Rochelle
  • State: NY
Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« 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

rbrtfeld

  • P323
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 118
  • Karma: 3
  • P323 Enthusiast
    • View Profile
  • Model: P323
  • Vessel Name: RockStar
  • City: San Pedro
  • State: CA
Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« Reply #1 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.

rbrtfeld

  • P323
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 118
  • Karma: 3
  • P323 Enthusiast
    • View Profile
  • Model: P323
  • Vessel Name: RockStar
  • City: San Pedro
  • State: CA
Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« Reply #2 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

selene

  • P323
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 376
  • Karma: 6
  • Mighty Member
    • View Profile
  • Model: P323
  • Vessel Name: Selene
  • City: Redwood City
  • State: CA
Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« Reply #3 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.

Dolce_Vita

  • P323
  • Hero Member
  • *
  • Posts: 563
  • Karma: 9
    • View Profile
    • S/V Dolce Vita
  • Model: P323
  • Vessel Name: Dolce Vita
  • City: Pasadena
  • State: MD
Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2014, 08:04:46 AM »
Photos?
@(^.^)@  Ed
1977 P-323 #42 "Dolce Vita"
with rebuilt Atomic-4

The Great Godsea

  • P323
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 113
  • Karma: 2
    • View Profile
  • Model: P323
  • Vessel Name: The Great Godsey
  • City: New Rochelle
  • State: NY
Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« Reply #5 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.

Rusty Pelican

  • P323
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 239
  • Karma: 5
  • http://rustypelican.blogspot.com/
    • View Profile
  • Model: P323
  • Vessel Name: Rusty Pelican
  • City: Hingham
  • State: MA
Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« Reply #6 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

Libations Too

  • P323
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 115
  • Karma: 6
    • View Profile
  • City: Berkelely, CA
Re: Boom Vang attach mast attach point failed this weekend
« Reply #7 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.
Richard