[Brian Duff]

A well designed gaff saddle and luff lacing instead of hoops, leather or lacings over the hoops, can help protect the finish on ANY material of mast.

There is a huge benefit to be gained on reducing the weight aloft and in the ends of any boat, but in particular in a boat which already has a reputation for stopping due to hobby horsing and a cruising boat which may actually one day get caught out in real rough weather with a need for high performance and no RC to provide immediate support.

Using heavy materials like bronze for anythign is a bit contrary to the idea of using carbon. If carbon is chosen, go the whole way, aluminum or titanium anywhere hardware is ABSOLUTELY needed, like chainplates or stem fittings, anchor rollers and other attachments - use lashings, strops etc where ever possible.

A boom vang is a geat benefit to any boat, gaffers in particular. However it is likely they wish to store a dingy on the cabin top so nix the boom vang, but be sure to rig up topsail sheets to each side of the gaff so that he can control the peak on all points of sail to get the best shape, stop swinging in light rolly stuff, and fight chafe by holding the gaff from getting bound by the lowers..