Just picked up a Nacra 5.8.

I plan on doing some modding this fall/winter.

I am planning on getting a square-top main via whirlwind, as the main it came with is in pretty marginal shape.

Here's my question:

Does anyone have experience with converting a boomless rig to a boomed rig? I would imagine it is a relatively simple operation, especially considering the main i'm having made is all custom anyways.

I am coming to this nacra after around a decade of skippering E-scows, and, though i am happy with my purchase (a great deal, and the boat flies) the boomless rig just gives me the heebee jeebees.

Would this conversion to a boomed rig gain an appreciable increase in performance? especially with the use of a squaretop? or does keeping on the sheet and dropping the traveler produce the same results in a boomless cat? Finally, if i do throw a boom on it, i take it my traveler and sheet are my vang? i dont see vangs on these boats....

-the safety issue of boomless is a non-issue for me.