Bavaria 42 rig question

[eddystone]

Looking at a Bavaria 42 (1999) but would need to modify the existing rig as following:

- fit removable inner forestay so that hanked on storm jib can be fitted and also to be used for twin foresails sailing downwind.
- fittings on mast to attach pole or possibly twin poles stored vertically
- pole lift, additional halyards.

I would be interested if existing or previous owners of these boats had experience of doing similar they could share.

Had long discussion with Allspars Plymouth and they said this can all be achieved. Initially concerned about mounting point for forestay but say can be fitted to stemhead fitting just ahead of anchor locker. I trust their collective knowledge and experience but interested to know how this has been done before.

 

[Tranona]

The square pad just behind the hatch would be the normal place to fit a removable inner stay for a storm jib. Pretty sure that is immediately above a structural bulkhead. However that would be less suitable for twin headsails.

As an aside look carefully at the hull/deck joint on this model as the teak capping can cover a multitude of sins with gaps in the sealant underneath. Not necessarily a structural issue but can lead to leaks. Otherwise a pretty bomb proof boat.

 

[eddystone]

That pad must be there for a reason but there definitely isn’t a bulkhead underneath.

 

[fredrussell]

I think the general thing in the absence of a bulkhead below fixing point is to take a ‘tie rod’ from below removable forestay padeye downwards at same angle to stem/bow and bolt through there. That’s what I did anyway.

 

[RunAgroundHard]

… or rigging wire with bottle screw, instead of tie rod. Alternative to bottle screw can be high field lever if removing is required from inside cabin because it splits forward bunk

 

[Bobc]

The square pad has an aluminium plate bonded in, so you can drill and tap for machine screws. Underneath, you would want to add a tie rod down to the stem.

You see quite a lot of Bavs of this size with inner forestays in France, most carrying a working jib on a furler.

The other things are easily achieved.

 

[lustyd]

That pad must be there for a reason but there definitely isn’t a bulkhead underneath.

Pad eye for a pole downhaul I’d have said. Way too close to the hatch for a stay so would need something below, which would likely ruin the living space.

I’d say try sailing it as its designer intended before adding stays. YouTube has made cutter conversions trendy but there are plenty of cutter rigged boats out there!