The first electronic vang is Italian. Here’s how it works

The vang is an essential maneuver on board, especially on some types of boats. In fact, it allows you to act on the vertical position of the boom, adjusting and modifying the profile of the mainsail accordingly and allowing it to work at its best. If we used to be accustomed to hydraulic and mechanical systems, as of today we must also start getting used to a new type: the electronic one. The first one (patent pending) is called E-Vang and was presented by Bamar at Mets 2023.

How Bamar’s electronic vang works

Bamar’s electronic solution inherits all the experience of “traditional” vangs produced by the brand. In fact, it is built with all the (excellent) features of hydraulic or mechanical vangs, but is electronically controlled. Electronic vang means no longer having to have manual or electrohydraulic hoses and controllers on board, the only encumbrance in fact is the electronic box that contains thesol software that governs the operation of the cylinder. From there, all information provided by the sensors installed on the E-Vang is processed, enabling all maneuvers to be carried out safely.

Bamar’s new E-Vang is driven by a state-of-the-art electric motor coupled with a planetary gearbox that develops high traction loads. It is also equipped with a dynamometer pin that self-adjusts the extension according to external stresses and based on load data, processed by the electronic box with software that manages its operation and active and passive safety. The only requirement for its operation is to connect to the 12/24/48 V on-board power supply, so it is easier to install. The vang is controlled by 3 switches (Up – Down – High Speed Emergency Quick Release) that can be replicated at any location on board, in the domotics, and at maneuvering nerve points.

Connectivity with on-board home automation as well

In terms of connectivity, it can be connected to all instrumentation and onboard home automation, and can also be controlled through the proprietary controller. Thanks to load sensors, the electronic vang figures out “on its own” (actually by reading and interpreting data about the load) what position to take: whether to open or close. However, the system does not lack a quick-release system that allows it to close completely in an instant. Useful, for example, if we are at slack and have to let go to open the mainsail, just a click sends the release pulse to the vang.

Through the system display, it is possible to always know how much we are capping and give a precise command to the vang, for example, deciding to caulk “X” kilograms of vang. Another very interesting function is one that allows you to memorize certain positions, for example, I can set a command for when I need to furl the mainsail with the boom mainsail furler and use it whenever I need it.

In addition to all the practical advantages found in everyday use, the electronic vang is also green, in fact it eliminates the use of any kind of oil on board, which is usually present and to be maintained in the hydraulic version of the vang. It is also a very energy-saving equipment. The first vang presented is suitable for 60-foot boats, but Bamar plans to produce the entire range from 48-50 feet and up during 2024.

• Find out all the details about the E-Vang at Bamar’s booth in our Boat Show