The aluminum boom tang on my Nordic 40 is slightly bent, and I can't slip any washers in there. As a result it's not a snug fit and permits a little twisting action. It's been this way ever since I bought the boat - someone must have tightened the bolt without first installing spacers.

I'm installing a new rigid vang this year and want to limit any twisting action that might stress the vang, so thought I should make a better fit. One possibility is to use an expander bolt to ever so slightly push the tangs apart to get a few washers in there. But I wonder if this might weaken the tang and if I should instead take the entire boom to a metal shop.

Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

Max