1975 AMF Alcort Puffer - Boom Vang Setup

This is just one of many ways to setup a boom vang on a small sailboat. The blocks are from Harken.
West Marine Part # 253286 - Micro Block, Single with Becket
West Marine Part # 289975 - Micro Block, Fiddle with V-Jam Cleat
The line used was 12 feet of 1/4" line (West Marine - #183749)

[@RealManSkills]

Since Puffers were made by AMF, I found that the bailer assembly is the same as those found in Sunfish. Sunfish parts are readily available online. Thanks for watching.

[@RealManSkills]

A boom vang is a line system on a sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail. I installed it with the purpose of squeaking out more speed. I didn't have a chance to sail it much before I installed the boom vang, so I have no good basis of comparison. I use the boom vang every time I sail.

[@BrandonPhilips]

Thank you for this video. My family picked up a Puffer and we were wondering what hardware was missing from our boom.

[@RealManSkills]

I don't know if a boom vang is something that came with the boat originally, but I thought it was a good tweak. Have fun!

[@robine1000]

I used my AMF Alcort Puffer for the first time today. Pretty cool. My first time sailing ever. I did OK, after spending the last three weeks studying a book on my own. I almost capsized the dinghy. The lake had some sort of turmoil crazy wind that took me by surprise. It was scary. We had a good laugh. I am glad to see this video, since I was just wondering about the main sheet (Boom Vang) Setup. My boat had the vang attached at the back end of the boom to the upper part of the rudder.

[@kenwittlief255]

This video just popped up on my youtube home page I had a Puffer about 25 years ago - sailed it for 3 years. I got it from an estate sale with the trailer for $200. It did not come with a boom vang, I wondered what that attachment point towards the front of the boom was for. DANG! My main sail always bowed out like a parachute in a fresh wind - now I know what I was missing.... I got a hobie 16 after the puffer - never had a problem keeping that sail flat.

[@RealManSkills]

Thanks for watching!

[@RealManSkills]

I am already a member of that group. Thanks.

[@robine1000]

It didn't feel right. I had to keep looking back to easy the sail in order to react to the constant changing wind conditions of the lake. Your setup makes more sense to me, so I am changing it tomorrow. Thanks for sharing. I just created a group on facebook for AMF Alcort Puffer users, and I gonna post your cool videos. Will love to see you joining the group. I posted pictures of my Puffer.

[@JohnVH-diy]

I have the same set up. I also use the same pulley system to raise the mast using a gin pole.

[@RealManSkills]

I sold that boat a long time ago but still miss it. Thanks for watching!

[@Mnpctech_Giveaway_PC_Mods]

Perfect, simple to the point.

[@RealManSkills]

Thanks for watching!

[@RealManSkills]

Currently, my boat is upside down on sawhorses and covered in snow. I would like very much to share but it may take me some time. Thanks for sharing. I am going to find that facebook page.

[@georgebyrd1981]

I have one im working on too making my own centerboard ,I need to know where I can get a bailer plug or what size it is .thanks

[@robine1000]

Greetings again sblg43. I found a yahoo group that has the original drawings, brochures and other extra info on the Alcort Puffer. You might want to check it out. I am almost done setting mine. Still need to finish the BOOM VANG and the TOE (hiking) STRAP. I am also interested in a TILLER TAMER.

[@robine1000]

I just noticed that your boat has a toe strap. Can you show me how is it connected at both ends? Mine doesn't even have one.