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).



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Flying Tadpole
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