A tang is a strong metal fitting (plate or lug) fastened to a mast, boom, or deck to provide a secure attachment point for standing rigging, such as shrouds and stays. They are crucial for transmitting loads between the rigging and the spar, with common types including forestay, cap, and clamp tangs.

Key Aspects of Tangs:
Purpose: Securely connects standing rigging to the mast, boom, or hull.

Structure: Often made of stainless steel plates or clamps, bolted or riveted to the spar.

Types:
Cap Tang: Typically found at the top of the mast for upper shrouds.

Forestay Tang: Located on the mast to support the forestay, frequently used for halyard blocks.

Clamp Tang: Fixed directly to the mast wall.

Lash Tang: Used for attaching running backstays.

Considerations: When replacing or repairing, key factors include pin hole diameters, plate thickness, overall geometry, and stemball radius.