We have an unusual bit of kit that appears to be a combination downhaul/vang.

Is this a thing? Is it an unusual invention? Or have I misunderstood entirely? My instinct is to add another line as a downhaul as there are no other lines with an appropriate hook.

Looks pretty inventive to me. For a vang attach hook to block
OR for a cunninghan or reef hook as required

Someone has tried the single line vang Cunningham
Sometimes used in skiff type classes and foilers

Interesting, thanks. I suppose my next question is - as a day cruiser rather than a racer - does it matter?

Only if you want to reef on a run.

2nd a reefing hook? Though can't see anything else for the vang.. found something similar, however I also had a vang system, I removed and fitting a reef hook near gooseneck.

Thinking slightly outside the box, If you hook the hook through the top shackle you have a 5:1 vang but if you unhook it and let it pull through to the lower block you have 4:1.

It is possibly a way of increasing the purchase of the vang when you want a little more grunt?

Thanks Jethrow
Now I understand.
The standard set up would be as a boom vang.
The double becket block would be shackled to the boom and the hook in the bottom becket.

The hook could be removed and hooked into the Cunningham downhaul cringle.
Or if long enough hooked into the reef cringle as a reefing downhaul.
A 3 in 1 set up. Neat.

gary