Conversion to Junk Rig

[yachtorion]

For my next boat I'm pondering taking a leaf out of Dylan's book and getting a Hunter Minstrel. But they're kinda rare. The obvious next choice would be a liberty but I'm just not sure about the cat rig... I know some of them have been converted to junk though. Which got me wondering... anyone know what's involved in the conversion to Junk rig and how successful it might be? My preference would be to remove the mizzen and just have a junk main which I don't think is typical of the conversions to date... though this looks hopeful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rBCDs_VrsE

Normally I'm sightly against amateurs making heavy modifications to expertly designed boats... but this mod does look quite good...

I'm not in the market for a project - I'd be looking for a pro to do the work.

I am a member of the HLMOA and will ask there but figured that experience in this area is probably quite limited and their might be a wider audience here!

TIA

 

[boggybrn]

Take a look at junk rig association.org there is loads of information there. If you are after a professional conversion then a good place to start is Robin Blain of Sunbird Marine. If he can't help then he will know someone who can.

 

[William_H]

Call me blinkered or a ludite but I just can't see the value in a junk rig. I race my little boat and so upwind performance is the most critical part. I love the way a fractional rig can be adjusted to wind strengths and will point really well. I think the interaction of jib and main and the slot between the two is the key to upwind sailing. Anything else is a doddle. I use 2 line reefing on the main so reefing to a really good reefed sail shape is quick and easy. good luck olewill

 

[DownWest]

If your plan is because of uncertainty about the cat ketch type of rig, have a look around here: http://bandbyachtdesigns.com/20mk3/ and click on some of the links to blogs etc. While I like Junk rigs, I do not think you will improve your boat over the original rig + the cost.

My little new cruiser is cat yawl rigged with free standing masts. Very few fittings and not a lot of rope.

DW