katy wrote:

Capt. JG wrote:

So, what are the downsides to gaff rigs? I know about weight aloft and
possible handling issues with the gaff, but anything else?

Heavy spar that needs to be hoisted - this implies more complicated
rigging for the halyard(s) instead of the simple no-mechanical-advantage
systems on a marconi rig. More stuff to go wrong when hoisting or
lowering the sail. Not a showstopper by any means, but there's elegance
in simplicity.

Betcha getting whacked with that giant boom hirts a lot more than a
regular one....

If you get whacked hard enough, it's painless.

//Walt