Melandre wrote:
Warning: I also posted this question in rec.boats since I couldn't find
a sailboat specific newsgroup...

Newbie question: I was given an old, very small sailboat (just 8' or
9'). The hull was in a poor state but the sail and mast were in good
condition. I cleaned the hull and repainted the boat and it now is
seaworthy. Well, almost seaworthy. The people giving it away told me
that two things were missing and they could no longer find them: the
centerboard and the rudder.

I figured I could probably build these things so I agreed to take the
boat. I have yet to build a basic centerboard and rudder for it but I
also realized that the boat does not have a boom! Is it possible
that, given that it is such a small boat, it may not require one? I
cannot figure out if they simply forgot to give me the boom
(unfortunately I cannot contact them anymore), if they didn't have a
boom anymore or this type of small boat simply doesn't need one...

If it does require one, how difficult would it be to make a simple one
and what material (wood, metal, etc.) would be most appropriate.

Keep in mind that I am not trying to turn this thing into a competition
sailboat. Just want something to float around and have something to
play around with on a windy day (when it is too wavy to waterski behind
my powerboat). Cheers! Andre

There will be as many opinions as there are sailors.

No, you do not NEED a boom. You may want one, after trying all the
other styles, and even inventing some new ones yourself. Gaffs,
sprits, and no doubt other rigs are possible, even desirable in a
tiny boat. What is best for you as a begineing sailor may also be a
matter of opinion. Many sailors think the best way to learn to sail
is to get dumped out of a dinghy often enough!

The size and location of your mast will influence the decision. If
far enough foreward, a cat rig does not use a jib. If aft, you may
want to use a main only at first, to get the feel. Adding a jib
would give more thrills and speed.

How is the flotation of your dingus, once filled with water?

you should expect to get capsized, and the boat should not sink.
You will want to be able to lower the sail before righting the boat
and climbing back inside.

Terry K