Hi Tom! I have found we use the boom vang on almost every point of sail to stop chaffe on the mainsail, as I find the boom bounces up and down, working all the rigging and occasionally shock loading the traveler and the main sheet. I just snug the vang with
a bit of pressure. I find without the vang the bouncing up and down releases the leech... also resulting in a little lost drive.
If you are day sailing it probably doesn't make much difference. Also a little note... when I'm sailing downwind I almost alsways also have the main up but at least double Reefed. This allows me to get the boom out a long way without the sails hitting the stays
and I personally find it a much more stable ride, even in fairly heavy seas. For me the vang maintains the sail shape and is also a safety backup... If i break the main sheet traveler or that system, I would not be able to use the sail without the vang as
I would rip more things off the deck. Sorry but of a ramble.... not too many cats out there without some type of vang.
From: crashman1520 via Saint Francis Owners Group <saintf...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2017 8:11:49 PM
To: Saint Francis Owners Group
Subject: [Saint Francis OG] Is the 44 Boom Vang necessary?