Gaffs rigging

[Michelnou]

I am rigging a 1820 Baltimore schooner (desk length 75 feet).

This ship has a main mast and a fore mast, each of them supporting a gaff.

Knowing that these ships had the reputation to board a reduced crew, and so to have a light rigging, I should want to know if each gaff requires vangs.

 

I thank you for the advices.

Mike

[Michelnou]

Given the lack of responses, I have rigged vangs on each mast, mainmast and foremast.

 

Mike

[Gregory]

I'm surprised you didn't get more any replies..  This must have slipped off the radar.

 

There is an excellent topic regarding  topsail schooner rigging.

 

Here is the post that has some info regarding vangs.

 

 

[Gregory]

1 minute ago, SpyGlass said:

Depends upon what you mean by a vang. 

On an 1820 Baltimore schooner, I assumed he meant these..

 

 

... from the topic i referenced above..

[Gregory]

This came up when I was working on my Mary..

 

Similar boats have double vangs..

 

 

[popeye2sea]

The primary purpose of the gaff vangs is to reduce twist in the sail by the gaff sagging away to leeward.

 

Regards,

[Dr PR]

Some vessels had gaff vangs and others didn't. But without the vangs the only control of the gaff was through the gaff sail, and that wouldn't prevent the gaff from swinging side to side as the ship rolled.

 

Only the windward vang had to be taut to control the gaff swing. The leeward vang could be loosened to allow the boom to swing outboard. The vangs were typically hooked to ring bolts in the deck, and slack vangs could be unhooked and lead forward to get them out of the way of the boom.