PaulS Posted April 26, 2008 Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 I have a 40 foot spray that I would like to convert to a gaff rig. How can I get a desighn without buying plans for the whole boat?? Any info would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulS Posted April 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 Sorry ... design Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulS Posted April 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2008 One more thing, she is Ketch and I would prefer to keep her mast positions and chainplates (less work/costs). is this possible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAR Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 You'll have to contact a designer to draw up an new sail plan and related equipment/structure. I'm assuming you have a Bermudian rigged ketch. If this is the case it might be possible to save some of your chain plate locations, but don't be surprised if many have to move substantially. The CE on a gaffer is generally in a different location then a Bermudian rig, which usually requires the mast, shrouds and their related hardware all have to move. In addition you'll have structural considerations, such as mast steps, partners, etc. to consider. There isn't a short cut with this type of change, you have to balance the rig over the boat's other design compromises. With these types of modifications, it's often best to consult the original designer if possible. They may already have drawn up something similar for someone else previously. If not, they'll know the design better then anyone and would be most suited to perform the task. In short, you'll need a pro. There are many very capable designers that can handle this type of job. If you'd like to discuss it further, then drop me an email (click on my name). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulS Posted April 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 Thanks for the info, it is a Bermudian rigged ketch, if it needs a total rebuild I might reconsider. Let me get my ducks in a row (obtain original sail plan and an accurate as built deck plan) before i waste any forum time and effort. Thanks again, Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Hagan Posted April 27, 2008 Report Share Posted April 27, 2008 I think PAR is right on this one. Besides the CE ("center of effort") that changes, there are some recalculations in terms of sail area that has to be made. I remember corresponding with a guy that changed a gaffer to a bermudan rig, and he had quite a bit of trouble sailing the little boat (it was a Weekender). He kept the same sail area, but with the taller bermudan rig the boat was "squirrelly". His experimentation didn't cost that much with temporary polytarp sails, but I imagine it could get expensive with traditional sailcloth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAR Posted April 28, 2008 Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Is this a Robert's Spray? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulS Posted April 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Yes she is a Rorerts. This is the current config. I do have a sketch of her as a gaff ketch but I cant download pic,s - redirects me and tells me there is a problem. am I doing something wrong?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulS Posted April 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulS Posted April 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Looks like the mizzen might move aft by 150mm but this wont affect the interiour, the main is more involved with saloon table around it and the water system very close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken_Potts Posted April 28, 2008 Report Share Posted April 28, 2008 Hi Paul, Have you tried getting hold of the designer yet? I see he's drawn a gaff ketch rig for the Spray 40. He'll certainly be able to tell you what would need to change. http://www.bruceroberts.com/public/HTML/descriptions/spray40_description.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAR Posted April 29, 2008 Report Share Posted April 29, 2008 I'm very familiar with the design and the main is considerable aft of the Bermudan location as gaff. There are substantial other differences as well, such as the length and scantlings of the sprit, location of the mizzen (also further aft), both mast steps and the chainplate locations. Bruce doesn't charge a lot for his plans and if you call him, I'm sure he'd be happy to send you just what you need. The cost of a full set of plans is a just a fraction of what your new rig redo will cost, when all is said and done, why cut corners on the most important element of the project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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