I have had bowsprits on most of my dozen sailboats over the past 45yrs on
the water. The main advantage is increasing the overall length, with respect
to carrying more sail or more head sail combinations.

I don't like to see it as a advantage for getting the anchor off the bow. I
much prefer to have my anchor roller at the stem head since a roller on the
end of the bowsprit puts too much load on the headstay and much too much
noise when the boat is hobby horsing at anchor.

Here are a couple of pictures of my present arrangement that allows me to
have two bow anchors, on chain, lead to a single anchor windlass.

http://www.hctc.com/~esteve/INGRID%20PICs/dogonbw1.jpg

http://www.hctc.com/~esteve/INGRID%20PICs/dogonbow.jpg

(the dog "Shipmate" is no longer part of the crew)

The bowsprit is made of 2" SS pipe with aluminum deck plating. There are cut
outs for the anchors to come thru. I'm very happy with the whole system.

Note that this type of bowsprit/platform eliminates the need for Whisker
Stays.

The Bob Stay (not pictured) is 5/8" rod. I've run into the dock and a buoy,
at slow speed and it hasn't bent (yet). The stem band is 3/4" X 1 1/4" X 4'
and runs down the stem and is through bolted with a similar backing plate at
each bolt.

--
My experience and opinion, FWIW

--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions


"Denis Marier" wrote in message
...
I do not no much about bowsprits. I have seeing some made with wood and
other with 2 " pipe.