Converting to a cutter rig?

[Big Andy]

Can anyone give me any pointers on converting a Westerly Corsair to a cutter rig? How much work is involved and the lightly costs assuming it was done by a professonal rigger?

 

[Tranona]

Why not just get a couple of quotes from riggers? Not sure it is a common mod nor what you hope to achieve. If it is to take a storm jib then a removable forestay would be the normal fit.

Best place for advice would be the WOA.

 

[Salty John]

As a general rule, a cutter usually has the mast further aft than a single headsail sloop so it's not always possible to do successfully - in some cases you can add a bowsprit to overcome this. Also, if the inner forestay starts more than a foot or so below the masthead you'll need running backstays.
For a storm jib, a detachable inner forestay run from the masthead is an option. Best get advice from a rigger.

 

[Big Andy]

There are a few reasons for considering the switch not least because my ship mate is getting closer to seventy than sixty and I'm not that far behind so smaller head sails may be worth thinking about in the next year or so. Any way a cutter just looks nicer IMO. Speaking to a rigger will be done at some time just wondered what others thought about it. Thanks for the input.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

You are going to have to have a strong crossmember to mount the foot of the inner forestay to its position will be dictated by where you attach the head of the forestay as it should run parallel to the outer forestay. Then the running backstays and mounts, then the yankee to replace your genoa. I think the biggest problem you are likely to have is installing the cross member, it won't be sufficient to just try to reinforce the deck. Bet you are looking at about 5 grand with new sails.

 

[doug748]

I improvised a cutter rig for one season when I was stuck; It was not greatly efficient. Unless you are very fortunate you really need new sails, cut to complement each other, plus extra deck tracks.
There is also the existing babystay to consider and things would be even more pricy if you wanted a furling set up. Nice to have though.
You also need to think about deck strength for the inner forestay attachment, that may need a bit of work.

Would not be cheap to do well.

 

[Tranona]

There are a few reasons for considering the switch not least because my ship mate is getting closer to seventy than sixty and I'm not that far behind so smaller head sails may be worth thinking about in the next year or so. Any way a cutter just looks nicer IMO. Speaking to a rigger will be done at some time just wondered what others thought about it. Thanks for the input.

Just having smaller sails is not the answer, even ignoring the structural issues. A twin headsail rig creates more work unless you make the inner self tacking, although of course the individual loads may be lower.

I am already well past your age(s) and have been through this process. I had a 37', which although it was fractional rig had a 120% genoa which was the most difficult bit to handle and even with a foam luff did not set well. It needed reefing relatively early. There were other things about the boat that meant it was not a long term bet, so fortunately I was able to change boats. The new 33 is the same LWL, displacement and sail area, but has a bigger main and a 105% jib. This does not need any furling until 20 knots of wind and sets well when furled. The most important thing was to make the sail easy to handle so have winches I can reach from the wheel and aa Harken system for the furling line that terminates with a jamming ratchet block close to the wheel. The difference good gear makes is well worth the cost.

Suggest, therefore that you look at having a new, better, smaller jib, making sure that the furling gear is in perfect condition and upgrading sail handling gear. Doubt you will notice any significant performance loss from the smaller jib, and you will be reducing area less often. Worth talking to a good sailmaker and spending the money on better sails and gear rather than on major mods which probably won't achieve your objectives.

 

[Big Andy]

I think I'd better slow down a bit, as you all have far more experience than me I'd be stupid not to listen and at least wait a while before moving on this. Mind you that was my intended path anyway. I've had my offer accepted on the boat so intended to sail it for this season and then think about changing after that, but getting the impression that could be a lot more trouble than it's worth.
Thanks for the advise about upgrading to Harken furling gear, that made me very happy as it had a complete new Harken system fitted only eight months ago, nice to know that that's considered a solid investment.

 

[Kelpie]

Definitely don't rush into anything. If you think sail handling could be an issue, first thing to consider is keeping the existing setup in tip top condition. Your furler already sounds perfect, so are the winches any good? Upgrade to self tailers if not already fitted, and service them regularly. Keep the genoa cars in good nick, upgrade if they are hard to move. Make sure the sail is in good condition, with a foam luff, and not old and saggy.

The previous owner of my boat had some funny ideas, and fitted a self tacker plus removable inner forestay. It's a useful setup and quite versatile, but I kind of wish he'd just upgraded what was already there, including upgrading to self tailers.

 

[Tranona]

I think I'd better slow down a bit, as you all have far more experience than me I'd be stupid not to listen and at least wait a while before moving on this. Mind you that was my intended path anyway. I've had my offer accepted on the boat so intended to sail it for this season and then think about changing after that, but getting the impression that could be a lot more trouble than it's worth.
Thanks for the advise about upgrading to Harken furling gear, that made me very happy as it had a complete new Harken system fitted only eight months ago, nice to know that that's considered a solid investment.

It is not just the furler itself, but the furling line that gives potential problems because few people invest on good blocks and fairleads on the stanchions. This principle applies to all deck gear - blocks, organisers, clutches etc, plus of course the running rigging. This all deteriorates over time, or was not the best to start off with. Over the years owners adjust to the additional effort required as things wear. You notice the difference immediately if you have a new boat where everything is in tip top condition, even if not of the highest quality.

So, the suggestion to sail the boat for a year without changes is good - after all it is a well developed and respected boat. Then systematically go through what you find easy and what you would like to improve, consult a sailmaker and rigger and spend the money on upgrades.

 

[William_H]

Work on a typical sail boat starts with hoisting the sails. A powered winch might be the ultimate answer there. Then the biggest work effort goes into tacking the jib. If you sail in close waters this can be a big effort. A smaller jib and larger main sail as in a fractional rig can help here. A smaller jib and accept the loss of performance in light winds can also help.
A baby or inner forestay can make taking the jib a lot harder. If the boat is not hard pressed in strong winds it may be safe to have this removable. You may replace with twin inner forestays with the jib tacking inside these or you may go for aft swept spreaders to provide a push forward to the middle of the mast. All expensive modes. Requiring new chain plates.
Perhaps a new very tall short footed jib would be the best cheapest approach to the effort problem. I am not sure a cutter rig with 2 jibs to tack would be less effort. good luck olewill