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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Boom Vang Line

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tgupton
Deckhand

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1 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/21/2013 : 09:53:56

I want to replace the boom vang line on my son's Catalina 25. The hull is pre 1985, not sure of year. The manual says 1/4" x 35' line, but what kind of line is best? Thank you.

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2013 : 11:03:26

I personally think 1/4" is too small, it's not very comfortable on the hands. I'd use 3/8"

A decent doublebraid like Samson XLS or NE Ropes Sta-Set is fine.

Avoid Cajun or Novabraid XLE. It is as expensive as XLS and has close to double the stretch.

XLS Extra if you want to spend the money, but the really low stretch properties aren't that necessary here.

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ftworthsailor
Captain

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USA
279 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2013 : 12:28:47

I agree with Awetmore. I have larger hands and the smaller line just becomes too difficult for me to grab. I am running 7/16" line for everything - Halyards, jib sheets, main sheet, boom vang.... its just easier for me to grab and work with. I just order different colors for each. Works for me.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2013 : 17:33:51

Along with having flipped my vang so I can adjust it from the boom end, I have a knot in the tail which greatly increases grip.

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Poky
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2013 : 06:33:00

Is 3/8 also your recommendation for a mainsail reefing downhaul?

How about a topping lift?

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2013 : 08:14:33

I recommend you use the line sizes that are recommended by Catalina in the manual. Those sizes are sufficiently strong for the task, they are light enough to be usable in lighter winds, and they run freely through the blocks. Oversized lines are stronger than they need to be for the task, they are too heavy to be usable in light air, and they are more prone to jam as they run through the blocks. 3/8" lines are comfortable to handle in light to moderate winds, and in stronger winds, sailing gloves will protect the hands. That's what sailing gloves are for.

With respect to the 1/4" boom vang line, most people set the boom vang when they raise the sail, and only make small adjustments of it under way. When beating to windward, the mainsheet is carrying the load, and the vang is really only loaded when you turn downwind. When sailing downwind, the load on the vang is fairly light, and the vang can usually be adjusted in and out without much difficulty. That's why the line on the vang is only 1/4". It's strong enough for the task, and, since it isn't so heavily loaded when it's in use, the smaller line isn't so hard on the hands.

It's your boat, and you have an absolute right to rig it any way you want, but you asked what kind of line is "best." The best sizes of line are those recommended by the boat's designer and builder.

Poky, the line for my topping lift was only 1/8" nylon line. It was very stretchy, and it didn't need to be any stronger to hold up the weight of the boom. I am a racer, and wanted minimal windage and weight aloft. Some people like a stronger, less stretchy topping lift, so it will support their weight if they hold onto it. I made a practice of not depending on it for support until the pigtail was attached. I could get away with that on my inland lake, where waves and chop were minimal. On Lake Erie, for example, you might want it to be stronger. Don't <u>always</u> think in terms of using the minimum sizes required. When it comes to line sizes, stronger is sometimes, but not usually, better.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 05/22/2013 08:36:40

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2013 : 09:58:44

I generally agree on not oversizing lines. Heavy jib sheets do terrible things to sail shape.

Since the Catalina 25 traveler is so short in travel you need to count on the vang for good sail shape even in a close reach. This is why I prefer to use larger (and more comfortable) line.

The topping lift on both boats that I frequently use is 1.8mm AmSteel Blue. Super light (it blows away from the sail in a breeze) and very strong so you don't need a backstay pennant. Annoying but possible to eyesplice, the almost twice as big (but still very light) 7/64" is a lot easier.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.