Installing Hard Vang . . . really hesitant.

[Cmason]

I'm in the process of installing a Garhauer rigid vang and have the mast bracket attached. The mast is 2.2mm and I've drilled and tapped for 1/4-20 screws (yes i have some tefgel). What really bothers me is the boom. Garhauer indicates that it should be drilled/tapped as well but it is only 2mm thick. Am I OK here? If not, I think I'll use rivet nuts but am not sure if I should use aluminum or SS. If aluminum, I assume one would put tefgel on the threads and if SS then tefgel on the body of the rivet nut?? What advice please

[Brian Duff]

Garhauer !

[Cmason]

That I should confirm w/ Garhauer??

[Bob Pingel]

My pref would be to put some form of backer in the boom to thread into -- ala YachtRod.

Bob

[Brian Duff]

SOrry, just disgusted with Garhauer.

yeah, that boom needs some sort of insert- I guess you have the Garhauer boom bracket of stainless plate bent twice to wrap around the boom ? use two pieces of alum flat bar or plate, maybe 3/16" thick, and tap holes in it, fasten through the boom into these plates. get them in there with a fish tape and messenger line through the holes you drill for the fasteners in the boom. good fun,

[Cmason]

can you guys suggest a good way to seal the holes in the mast, short of welding or dropping it for an insert? Would simply re-inserting the screws sans bracket and with anti-corrosion be adequate?

[Brian Duff]

just some sealant in the holes, or jbweld type epoxy putty, or alum rivets, or nothing. structrally 4 or 6 1/4" (well spaced as they are for that bracket) holes there shouldn't be a problem

[RyanN]

I attached a 3' piece of 1" T track to the bottom of the boom to spread the load, then attached the garhauer vang to a car on the track.