What about having a guide ring/tube mounted on the deck through which the
bowsprit is extended and locked in place against the stay tension with the
aid of a removable cam lever. To retract simply release and remove the cam
lever from it's fitting in the back of the guide/tube and slide the sprit
in. The guide ring/tube carries the sprit load to the hull and the cam
simply secures it against the tension.

"Bruce" wrote in message
...
I'm looking for ideas on construction of the mounting for a
retractable sprit. A deck mount is preferable for me, so if anybody
has done this please let me know the details. By the way 44 ft steel
cutter.