G
Guest
Guest
What is the maximum length of a gaff rigged boat could two people not in the first flush of youth handle? Assumption that winches etc of a reasonable size.
thanks
Pete
thanks
Pete
ccscott49
Active member
IMHO. 40 feet. after that, the main just gets too heavy.
Mirelle
N/A
Maybe a tad bigger
Mirelle is 37ft /12 tons. I am an unfit 50 and can singlehand her easily. When I bought her her previous owners were 78 and 81 respectively and felt she was getting a bit much for them. They bought a 9 ton Falmouth Pilot (bermuda ketch).
Sheet winches are no big deal, as the headsails are still pretty small at 40ft. Powered windlass would make a huge difference, and if the main halyards can be led to it then all sorts of possibilities occur.
I would put the maximum at 45 ft /25 tons, but this assumes roller reefing mainsail and Wykeham Martin jib.
Mirelle is 37ft /12 tons. I am an unfit 50 and can singlehand her easily. When I bought her her previous owners were 78 and 81 respectively and felt she was getting a bit much for them. They bought a 9 ton Falmouth Pilot (bermuda ketch).
Sheet winches are no big deal, as the headsails are still pretty small at 40ft. Powered windlass would make a huge difference, and if the main halyards can be led to it then all sorts of possibilities occur.
I would put the maximum at 45 ft /25 tons, but this assumes roller reefing mainsail and Wykeham Martin jib.
