We use the Boomkicker (K0800) and also their purchase plate along with std 4:1 block and tackle with a doubling block to make 8:1 total. The purchase plate works well to separate the doubling line, etc.

I like the block/tackle system since it blows quickly when you need to blow it and is plenty of purchase for the express even in the silly conditions we get up here in the gorge.

:: A hydraulic boom vang would be serious overkill for a
:: little Express. Further, you won't want to deal with the
:: mess and additional weight of a fluid system. I kept an
:: eye out for a vang on e-bay and purchased the same one
:: that the Melges 24's (vangmaster) use which is pneumatic
:: driven for support and block and tackle for the
:: purchase. Other then extreme light air and at the dock
:: the lifting force on the boom (at least for our Bay Area
:: conditions is not a need. The boomkicker is about the
:: most economic option, the pneumatic and spring vangs can
:: be pricey. I found mine on e-bay for less then 100
:: dollars, it needed new seals which I knew at time of
:: purchase, and had vangmaster rebuild the vang for about
:: 60 bucks, it looks and acts as new. I hope that helps

:: Tom
::
:: :: Hello group. ...
:: ::
:: :: I would like to know if a hydraulic boom vang / kicker
::
:: :: is class legal, and if anybody has any experience with
::
:: :: a hydraulic vang on an express 27.
:: ::
:: :: Thanks already.
:: ::
:: :: W