David Flynn

That is frustrating! It sounds like your solid vang had an engineering issue. Typically solid vangs are attached to the mast via a swiveling fitting which allow it to turn with the boom as it is eased out. See if it is possible switch the fitting before giving up completely on the rigid boom vang. Of course, a soft vang (provided it has enough purchase) works just fine for pulling down on the boom, it just doesn’t hold the boom up in light air.