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#1
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problems with gaff rigs?
"Capt. JG" wrote in message ... No problem... I question my sanity every morning. As well you should. Of course I tend to be suspect that you haven't come up with a definitive answer by now. Max :-) |
#2
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problems with gaff rigs?
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? The main downside, poorer pointing, is also a function of the main upside, which is lower center of effort and greater ease of holding the boat up under a press of canvas. A secondary downside is controlling twist. If the twist really upsets you, the paraphernalia of downhauls and vangs needed to reduce it to modern desires, you might as well go for a modern rig. There is no point however in imitating the lightly sparred racing gaffers of long ago: their rigs were every bit as prone to disintegration as a modern highly-strung (!) bermuda racing rig. THe virtues come in cruising, on heavier boats (yes, Flying Tadpole II was a quite intentional aberration, and she was terrible to windward in any sort of a seaway). (Lady Kate's gaff by the way is almost identical to Flying Tadpole II's mainmast). -- Flying Tadpole ---------------------------------- www.flyingtadpole.com |
#3
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problems with gaff rigs?
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? Of course! There's always "something else!" Flying Tadpole wrote: The main downside, poorer pointing, is also a function of the main upside, which is lower center of effort and greater ease of holding the boat up under a press of canvas. Yep... performance not so good to windward, GREAT off the wind. A secondary downside is controlling twist. If the twist really upsets you, the paraphernalia of downhauls and vangs needed to reduce it to modern desires, you might as well go for a modern rig. You can vang a schooner's foresail pretty well, but I've never seen a gaff vang run to the aft quarters that was worth a durn. It does help bend the gaff for flattening, though... just make sure your crew doesn't confuse it for the running backs! There is no point however in imitating the lightly sparred racing gaffers of long ago: their rigs were every bit as prone to disintegration as a modern highly-strung (!) bermuda racing rig. Rather more so, I would think. But let's mention in passing that the gaff-rigged maxi racers of yore would shock many sailors with their speed off the wind, several were clocked in the high teens and rumors abounded of 20 knot runs. ..... THe virtues come in cruising, on heavier boats (yes, Flying Tadpole II was a quite intentional aberration, and she was terrible to windward in any sort of a seaway). (Lady Kate's gaff by the way is almost identical to Flying Tadpole II's mainmast). Aerodynamically speaking? The added weight of the gaff at the top of the sail can be advantage, the sail definitely comes down when you want it to. It also can be shortend down very quickly and easiy, much faster than a marconi can be reefed (of course, it's sort of an emergency measure and you do have to straighten it up later). Just cast off the peak halyard and let the upper half of the sail drop into the lee of the lower half... "scandalizing" it's called. Another advantage, often proclaimed by my grandfather as the reason why he just couldn't get any enjoyment out of racing marconi-rigged boats, is that between the peak & throat halyards you have a very fine adjustment for sail shape. Disadvantage... extra rope & pulleys flopping about on the mast. Gaff rigs are cool. I keep toying with the idea of getting a gaffer instead of a modern boat. Fresh Breezes- Doug King |
#4
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problems with gaff rigs?
"DSK" wrote in message . .. Gaff rigs are cool. I keep toying with the idea of getting a gaff for your tugboat? |
#5
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problems with gaff rigs?
Gaff rigs are cool. I keep toying with the idea of getting
a gaff Scotty wrote: for your tugboat? No, like this http://www.shrimperowners.org/Home/i...wake718_fs.jpg DSK |
#6
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problems with gaff rigs?
DSK wrote:
Gaff rigs are cool. I keep toying with the idea of getting a gaff Scotty wrote: for your tugboat? No, like this http://www.shrimperowners.org/Home/i...wake718_fs.jpg DSK Oh cute...there's one of those out at the city marina in Cape Char;es... |
#7
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problems with gaff rigs?
I guess, maybe, you could call that a Gaff but Doug, that is a
"Connecticut Rig" and quite different in theory. Sail Theory. It's to have a higher hoist with a short Mast. It was a Rule buster. Jack Kennedy's Star had that rig. http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT |
#8
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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problems with gaff rigs?
Scotty wrote:
"DSK" wrote in message . .. Gaff rigs are cool. I keep toying with the idea of getting a gaff for your tugboat? It's already gaff rigged...I saw it... |
#9
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problems with gaff rigs?
Scotty posted to Doug's comment:
Gaff rigs are cool. I keep toying with the idea of getting a gaff for your tugboat? Go for it Doug; A Gaff Rigged Steadying Sail.-------That would be Cool. A PITA but Cool! http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT |
#10
posted to alt.sailing.asa
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problems with gaff rigs?
Taddy and Doug... great answers! That's what I was looking for...
-- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "DSK" wrote in message . .. 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? Of course! There's always "something else!" Flying Tadpole wrote: The main downside, poorer pointing, is also a function of the main upside, which is lower center of effort and greater ease of holding the boat up under a press of canvas. Yep... performance not so good to windward, GREAT off the wind. A secondary downside is controlling twist. If the twist really upsets you, the paraphernalia of downhauls and vangs needed to reduce it to modern desires, you might as well go for a modern rig. You can vang a schooner's foresail pretty well, but I've never seen a gaff vang run to the aft quarters that was worth a durn. It does help bend the gaff for flattening, though... just make sure your crew doesn't confuse it for the running backs! There is no point however in imitating the lightly sparred racing gaffers of long ago: their rigs were every bit as prone to disintegration as a modern highly-strung (!) bermuda racing rig. Rather more so, I would think. But let's mention in passing that the gaff-rigged maxi racers of yore would shock many sailors with their speed off the wind, several were clocked in the high teens and rumors abounded of 20 knot runs. ..... THe virtues come in cruising, on heavier boats (yes, Flying Tadpole II was a quite intentional aberration, and she was terrible to windward in any sort of a seaway). (Lady Kate's gaff by the way is almost identical to Flying Tadpole II's mainmast). Aerodynamically speaking? The added weight of the gaff at the top of the sail can be advantage, the sail definitely comes down when you want it to. It also can be shortend down very quickly and easiy, much faster than a marconi can be reefed (of course, it's sort of an emergency measure and you do have to straighten it up later). Just cast off the peak halyard and let the upper half of the sail drop into the lee of the lower half... "scandalizing" it's called. Another advantage, often proclaimed by my grandfather as the reason why he just couldn't get any enjoyment out of racing marconi-rigged boats, is that between the peak & throat halyards you have a very fine adjustment for sail shape. Disadvantage... extra rope & pulleys flopping about on the mast. Gaff rigs are cool. I keep toying with the idea of getting a gaffer instead of a modern boat. Fresh Breezes- Doug King |
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