Definition of spars...

[TwinRudders]

Settle an argument please:

When referring to yachts; "spars" are the mast, boom and spinn pole?
Does this extend to the spreaders - or are they part of the "rigging"?

Thanks!

 

[bbg]

I would say that spars support sails - so mast, boom, gaff, spinny pole, jib boom. Spreaders don't support sails, so not spars.

More inerestingly, what about a bowsprit?

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]

More inerestingly, what about a bowsprit?

[/ QUOTE ] Definitely a spar.

 

[TwinRudders]

I agree!

 

[peterb]

"The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea" gives:

Spar: a general term for any wooden or metal support used in the rigging of a ship; it embraces all yards, booms, etc.

On that basis I reckon that both spreaders and bowsprits are included.

 

[Saddletramp]

Bowsprit supports sail so spar

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

[ QUOTE ]
"The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea" gives:

Spar: a general term for any wooden or metal support used in the rigging of a ship; it embraces all yards, booms, etc.

.

[/ QUOTE ]

And carbon fibre, no?

The lexicographer ought to move with the times! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Marmalade]

and gaffs

 

[damo]

and bumkins /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Sans Bateau]

all here

 

[Spars]

Spreaders support the standing rigging, not the sails, so are not spars, bowsprit supports sails so is a spar.

 

[richardabeattie]

Curiosity - or is this an insurance question?

 

[TwinRudders]

No - it's more a question of a slightly petty argument over a spinnaker pole...
On a boat we are attempting to buy - the pole was on the boat when we viewed - and is in one of the details pictures - but was whipped off before the surveyor went round. When I asked about it was told it was not on the inventory so therefore not part of the boat.

However - nor is the boom on the inventory so feel that could be removed now too....? Inventory says "aluminium mast and spars" (plural) well one of those has to be the boom - the other has to be the pole?

I wish that brokers could just be more upfront and say - yea he's not actually including the spinnaker pole that you're looking at right now and made your offer on and is the marketing pictures I gave you of the boat...

J

 

[Spars]

Spinnaker poles are spars as they support a sail and spar manufacterers list them as such.
I double checked with Wikipedia!

 

[JoeQ]

Having been interested in this very subject I sought clarification from Formula Yacht Spars, they replied;

The term spars refers to the masts, booms and spreaders.