Ketch rig - How Important is the vang on the mizzen?

[Minerva]

I've seen a boat that could possibly suit my wants for the next boat. This ones a ketch, which I'm happy with in principle, however one thing that looks a pain, is the kicker on the mizzen taking up a lot of cockpit space.

Attached is the photo showing what I mean.

Question being, would removing the vang completely cause a particularity noticeable detriment for a cruising couple? Alternatively, would it be feasible to turn it into a dinghy style 'gnav' where the vang is above the boom, pushing down?

 

[Slipstream 34]

Definitely remove it. No vang on our mizzen. If we're sailing off the wind we rig a block and tackle to the end of the boom down to a stanchion base. Acts as a preventer and can flatten the sail if required.

 

[Tranona]

Looks like that mizzen is a big part of the working rig in which case the kicker is important to get good sail shape (as well as keeping the boom away from your head!).

 

[Chiara’s slave]

A kicker doesn’t have to look like that though. A strut would be ideal there, eliminate the topping lift and kicker in one fell swoop.

 

[dunedin]

Many dinghies use a reverse vang system to increase space under the boom - cunning,y called gnav.

Here’s a small example, but could be scaled up Mirror Gnav System

PS. Kicker is essential unless the mizzen is just going to be a decoration

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Many dinghies use a reverse vang system to increase space under the boom - cunning,y called gnav.

Here’s a small example, but could be scaled up Mirror Gnav System

PS. Kicker is essential unless the mizzen is just going to be a decoration

Exactly. Quite common in the race world, but they have advantages fir cruisers too.

 

[geem]

You only have to fit it when off the wind in which case it won't be in the way. We have ours on snap shackles. Our mizzen is over the aft deck so slightly different but we can disconnect it at either end

 

[WoodyP]

Having to fight your way around the mast to go below seems an enduring pain in the neck.

 

[Yngmar]

Looks perfect for a junk rig conversion