ACE Rigid Boom Vang Repair

The rigid boom vang on ACE has needed some attention since we got her three seasons ago.  The vang is supposed to support the boom when taking the main down.  The boom would drop over a foot when you let the main halyard off.  VERY DANGEROUS.

Took the screws out of the vang to expose the gas shock inside:

Lower portion

Upper portion

The gas shock was toast; bone dry:

No resistance at all

Went to Princess Auto and found a gas shock with the same size travel and size for $13 with tax.

Was able to re-use the connectors on the ends from the old one.

That was a cheap and easy fix!

NOT SO FAST

The gas shock is rate for 47lb of force.
It is NOT enough to support the boom.

It doesn't crash down when you release the halyard, but comes down none the less.

Just ordered from a company in Saskatoon, a gas lift shock with 220lb of lifting force.
Should have in a couple of days.
$50 + tax + shipping