Traditional Gaff Rigging "Rules of Thumb"

[movenden]

Hi,

I was wondering if anybody knows of good reference material for rigging small gaff rigged boats. I'm looking for general standard practices for selecting blocks / cordage ect.

I'm thinking just basic information like figure 2-1 of the Rigger's Apprentice (my copy is from 1998). I'm sure all the old riggers / sail makers could look at a rig and know instinctively what would be required based on the sail area / design.

I'm not sure if this knowledge has been captured anywhere. I find myself flipping between Skenes/gaff rig handbook/masting and rigging/various chapelle/hand,reef,steer but I haven't really found anything in these books. Masting and Rigging would be fantastic if my boat was greater than 150 tons

I pretty much purchase any books I can get my hands on so please fire away any suggestions.

Cheers,
Mark