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Tom Shilson
 
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Default Windsurfer Sails for Sailboat

JohnD wrote:

I am thinking of getting a rowing pram dinghy and adding sail
capability. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a
windsurfer rig – it would be nice to get a two-fer, if possible. I am
also thinking of a leeboard for lateral stability.

TIA

J


Not to put a Kabosh on things, but I see several problems. If you are
the adventurous type that loves to experiment and likes swimming, go ahead.

The boat will have to be beamy to be stable under sail. A good rowing
boat is narrow (think canoe and Whitehall.)

The windsurfer rig is designed to rotate 360 degrees and have someone
standing up to turn it and to provide stability. I assume that you would
want to sail sitting down.

'Twould be better to design a small sprit sailing rig. It would suit the
boat better. You could learn sailmaking along the way. Researching and
designing this could be a enjoyable project.

It's up to you. The big thing is to have fun.

Tom
of the Swee****er Sea
St. Paul, MN