Gaff Conversion

[Ian McColgin]

I'd think this expensive conversion through with great care as not all hulls can take all rigs. For example, you'll be without a fixed main backstay and depending on the gaff and mast height perhaps the triadic. Even if you really can't live without the excitement of adding running backs, are the partners through that high trunk strong enough? Is there room for the greater diameter mast. What's the bury for the mizzen to keep it from racking backwards too much? Will the lower weights and CE result in a whippy motion at sea or will it actually be better?

The advice above on preliminary reading to see if this makes even a little sense is a good start. Sooner or later you need the original designer or another NA to do the correct engineering.

This is something I'd contemplate only if I had a large budget and if the existing rig - spars, sails and stays - was total unsalvagable trash. Even then, I'd stick to her as designed as it's hard to see how a gaff rig on this hull would enhance her.

G'luck

Ian